Ballyconra 1 consisted of two vernacular structures approximately 15m apart. The northern structure (Ballyconra 1a) was aligned east–west and measured 6.7m by 4.34m. It consisted of two rooms. A large pit within the eastern room was later backfilled with modern debris. Earlier activity, predating the two room structure, was present in the form of cobbled surfaces.

The southern structure (Ballyconra 1b) was aligned northeast–southwest and measured 8.7m by 5.4m. It consisted of two main rooms with two additional rooms added to the northern and southern ends of the structure. An external cobbled yard was identified to the west.

The building materials used in vernacular cottages varied depended on the local geology and availability. In some areas, local stone was used for construction, while in others mud or timber was used. The thatch for the roofs was often made from locally sourced reeds or straw.