Collins Barracks

  This former military barracks is located along the river Liffy, opposite the Guinness Brewery and a short distance from the Jameson Distillery (I wonder if that was a coincidence?). Built in 1701 by the Surveyor General under Queen Anne, The Barracks became a mainstay of British Forces for several hundred years. It was the oldest continuously occupied barracks in the world. In it's heyday, 1500 troops of infantry and two troops of cavalry were housed here. By the 1800's, the complex became dangerously inadequate when disease began to decimate the soldiers living here. Renovations and enlargements were needed to alleviate these conditions. When Ireland became the Irish Free State in 1922, Britain handed over The Barracks and it was renamed after Michael Collins, the first Commander-in-Chief of Ireland. The 5th Infantry Division marched out of Collin's Barracks for the last time in 1997, when it was decommissioned and turned into the National Museum of Ireland.

Entrance to Collin's Barracks.

Aerial view of the complex.

The main quadrangle used for assembly and drilling of the troops.

The main entrance hall displays military equipment from various decades.

The soldiers ' living quarters were situated just off the quadrangle.

Early in the new millennium, a replica of a Viking ship was put on display at what now is the National Museum of Ireland.

During down times, many soldiers developed hobbies to occupy their time. This tapestry was created by one soldier over 15 years. During a visit to the barracks by Queen Victoria, the proud soldier showed her his completed tapestry.

Because the complex also housed two troops of cavalry, a riding school was needed to teach new recruits.

This car was reportedly used by Michael Collins, first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State.

Equipment that each soldier was issued and had to be stored "neatly" by their bunks.

In December of 1796, the French sent a fleet to invade Ireland. This boat came from the French Frigate La Resolue and became a prize of war when bad weather drove it ashore.