Known also as Barry’s Castle, this fortification first appears in historical records in a 1531 grant to the Barry family, and features prominently on the Pacata Hibernia map from around 1585 to 1600, where it’s marked as ‘Ye L. Barris Castell’. The castle’s history tells a story of destruction and renewal; by 1581 it lay in ruins, yet archaeological evidence suggests it was refurbished or rebuilt shortly afterwards, giving it a second life before its eventual disappearance.

Historical maps from the early 17th century, including those by Hardiman (c. 1601), Philips (1685), and Storey (c. 1690), consistently place the castle near the current Old Butter Market location. These cartographic records reveal fascinating architectural details about the structure: it was built in a distinctive Z-plan design, with a main rectangular block oriented east to west and projecting towers at the northwest and southeast corners. This defensive layout was typical of Irish tower houses of the period, combining residential comfort with military practicality.

Today, no visible traces of Shandon Castle remain above ground, its stones likely recycled into the buildings that followed as Cork City grew and transformed over the centuries. The site represents one of many lost castles that once dotted the Irish landscape, their presence now preserved only in historical documents, old maps, and archaeological records. The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork notes these details, ensuring that while the physical structure has vanished, its place in Cork’s medieval heritage remains documented for future generations.