The structure consists of a subcircular wall that once enclosed the hilltop, though nature provided its own defence on the north and northeast sides where the steep natural slope made additional fortification unnecessary. What remains of the stone wall is still impressive; the southwestern section stands at an extraordinary 2.38 metres high, a testament to the skill of its builders and the durability of their construction methods.

The site’s most intriguing feature is its deliberately blocked entrance on the south-southwest side. Rather than simply filling in the gateway, the original inhabitants constructed an entire rectangular structure measuring 2.4 metres east to west and 1.5 metres north to south to seal off this access point. This peculiar architectural decision raises questions about the site’s history; was it a defensive measure during troubled times, a later modification for a change in use, or perhaps evidence of the enclosure being permanently abandoned?

The location was clearly chosen with both defence and subsistence in mind. From this elevated, exposed position, those who lived here would have had commanding views of the surrounding landscape whilst being naturally protected by the terrain. The proximity to both pasture and arable land suggests this wasn’t merely a defensive outpost but a working settlement, with Loughros Beg Bay to the north potentially providing additional resources from the sea. This combination of defensive architecture and practical positioning offers a glimpse into how our ancestors balanced security concerns with the necessities of daily life in ancient Ireland.