Research Guide - Irish Military Heritage
Part 3:
ii.
List of Museums, Heritage Sites, Battlefields & Castles
First Search alphabetically by County: when you are in the County section, search alphabetically by Venue
A Antrim Armagh
B
C Carlow, Cavan Clare Cork
D Derry Donegal Down Dublin
F Fermanagh
G Galway
I
K Kerry Kildare Kilkenny
L Laois Leitrim Limerick, Longford, Louth
M Mayo Meath Monaghan
N
O Offaly
P
R Roscommon
S Sligo
T Tipperary Tyrone
U
W Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow
Antrim
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballymoney Museum
Town Hall
1 Townhead Street,
Ballymoney,
Co. Antrim.
BT53 6BE
Tel: 028 27662230
E-mail: museum@ballymoney.gov.uk
web: www.ballymoney.gov.uk
Museum of local history.
These cemeteries bear testimony to the involvement of
Fáilte Feirste Thiar,
212 Falls Road, Belfast,
BT12 6AHTel: 048 9080 6181.
e-mail info@visitwestbelfast.com
Web http://www.westbelfast-failte.com/ .
Carrickfergus Castle
Seafront, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
Tel: 028 9335 1273
e-mail sc@doeni.gov.uk
web: Carrickfergus Castle
Constructed in the late 12th Century by John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of east
Open to the public. Admission charge.
87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim.
Tel: 028 2073 1938
e-mail sc@doeni.gov.uk
Built on a spectacular viewing point, the ccastle was a stronghold of
the McDonnells, the Lords of Antrim during the 1500s. After a siege by
Sir John Perott, the Lord Deputy in 1584 the McDonnells submitted to
Queen Elizabeth. The Girona an Armada ship sank nearby and its cannon were salvaged for Dunluce's defence.
Open April-September. Guided tours available.
Admission fee.
Dunseverick Harbour, Bushmills, Co. Antrim.
Tel: 028 20762225
The museum includes exhibits on the Spanish Armada and World War One.
Tel: 028 9071 5599
This museum is dedicated to telling the social, economic and military history of the Greater Shankhill area of
OpenMon-Sat 10.00 am-4.00 pm, Sunday, 1.00 pm-4.00 pm.
Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
Tel: 028 9266377 Fax 028 92672624
E-mail irishlinencentre@lisburn.gov.uk
A section of the museum deals with the military history of the region.
Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm.
Langford Lodge Wartime Centre
Station 597, Gortnagallon Road, Langford Lodge, Ardmore, Co. Antrim.
Tel: 028 94423896
During the Second World War the
Open May-October Sat, Sun, 12.30am-4.00pm.
Northern Ireland Police Museum
PSNI HQ, ‘Brooklyn', Knock Road, Belfast BT5 6LE
Tel: 028 90650222 x 22499
E-mail museum@psni.police.uk
Web http://www.psni.police.uk/museum/index.htm
The museum houses uniforms, weapons and information on the history of
policing in Ireland from 1822, with particular relevance to the Royal
Irish Constabulary in the 1916-21 period. A complete database of RIC
service records is accessible at the museum.
Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Visits by appointment preferred.
Tel: 01266 661355
E-mail hgrirsh@royalirishregiment.co.uk
The current Royal Irish Regiment (Rir Regt) was formed by the
amalgamation of the Royal Irish Rangers and the Ulster Defence Regiment
(UDR) in 1992. The original RIr Regt had been formed in 1684 and was
disbanded in 1922. Exhibits detail the origins of the regiment with the
raising of the Inniskillings in 1689 and include weapons and uniforms
and also covers the history of the RIr Regt, the Royal Inniskilling
Fusilers (R Innis Fus) and the Royal Ulster Rifles (RUR).
Open Wed-Sat, 2.00-5.00pm or by prior appointment.
Royal Ulster Rifles Museum, The
5 Waring Street, Belfast BT1 2EW Tel: 028 9023 2086
E-mail rurmuseum@yahoo.co.uk
Web http://rurmuseum.tripod.com/
This museum that holds collections of uniforms, medals, badges, diaries
and photographs relating to the history of this regiment, which bore
the name Royal Irish Rifles (RIr Rif) until it was changed to Royal
Ulster Rifles on 1 January 1922. There are over 4,000 items in a
collection which covers service from
Open Mon-Thurs 10.00am-12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm (closes at 3.00pm on Fri)
Admission free.
Ulster
Belfast BT9 5AB.
Tel: 028 9038 3000
The Ulster museum houses collections relating to the arts, natural
sciences and history. Periodically it stages exhibitions of military
interest, with topics including medieval arms and armour or the local
experience of the First World War. The museum also holds material
salvaged from the wreck of Spanish Armada ships off the Irish coast.
Open Mon-Fri, 10.00 am-5.00 pm, Sat, 1.00 pm-5.00 pm, Sun, 2.00 pm-5.00 pm.
U.S. Rangers Centre
Boneybefore, Carrickfergus,
C/O Carrickfergus Borough Council,
Wilson Endowed Building, 15 Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus, BT 38 7AB
Tel: 028 93366455
E-mail hrankin.tourism@carrickfergus.org
Web http://www.carrickfergus.org/
The 1st battalion of the elite US Army Rangers was raised on the 19 June 1942
at Sunnylands Camp, Carrickfergus. This museum contains photographs,
memorabilia and records relating to this famous unit. It is housed in
the same building as the Andrew Jackson Centre, which commemorates the
life of the Andrew Jackson, Major General in the Tennessee Militia, the
victor of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and seventh President of
the
Open April-October, 10.00am-1.00pm, 2.00pm-4.00pm.
(Open by request for schools and groups during the winter months).
Admission charge.
War Memorial Building
21 Talbot Street,
Belfast BT12 LD
Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 0392
Fax: +44 (0)28 9031 1875
Email: E-mail info@niwarmemorial.org
Web Northern Ireland War Memorial Building Website
This building is located on a site devastated by German bombing in 1941 a permanent exhibition entitled Northern Ireland in the Second World
War details the social, economic and military background to the
region's involvement in that conflict. Open Mon-Fri, 9.00am-5.00pm
Admission free.
>>Back to top
Armagh
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Armagh County Museum
The Mall East,
Armagh,
BT61 9BE
Tel: 028 3752 3070
Fax: 028 3752 2631
Website: Armagh County Museum Website
This
museum has on display important collections of objects related to the
Tyrone, Louth and Armagh Militia; the Irish Volunteers, Yeomanry and
Royal Irish Fusiliers. It also holds weapons including pikes used in
the 1798 Rebellion and a range of materials related to the two World
Wars. The Museum library contains a number of Army Lists: of Army and Royal Marines, and Yeomanry from the early nineteenth Century.
Open Mon-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm, Sat 10.00am-1.00pm
Admission free.
Tullymore, Benburb.
Tel: 028 3754 9885
This
heritage centre is close to the site of the June 1646 battle where
Gaelic forces under the command of Owen Roe O'Neill defeated Scottish
troops under Robert Munroe. The biggest battle of the eleven-year
Confederate War, some historians have described it as the only pitched
battle the Gaelic Irish ever won.
Open Mon-Thurs 9.00am-5.00pm, Fri 9.00am-2.00pm
St.Patrick's Cathedral
The Library,
Abbey St.
Armagh
Tel: 028 3752 3142
Web http://www.stpatricks-cathedral.org/
e-mail dean@armagh.anglican.org
Possibly
the oldest church in Ulster still in use, St. Patrick's is the burial
site of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, who died in battle at
Clontarf in 1014. The Old Cathedral contains the military chapel of the
Royal Irish Fusiliers and the regimental colours of the regiment as
well as local militia and volunteer units are on display. The cathedral
also displays the colours of French General Humbert's 2nd Battalion, 70th Demi-Brigade, captured by the
Open Daily, 10.00 am-5.00 pm April-October, 10.00 am-4.00 pm November-March
Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum,
The Sovereign's House,
Mall East, Armagh, BT61 9DL
Tel: 028 3752 2911
E-mail fusiliersmuseum@aol.com
Web http://www.rirfus-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
The museum holds the uniforms, medals and regalia of the regiment,
known as the ‘Faughs' from their battle cry ‘Faugh-a-Ballagh' (Clear
the Way). Exhibits tell the story of the Royal Irish Fusiliers (RIr
Fus) from its formation in 1793 during the Napoleonic Wars, through the
Crimean War, the Boer War, where the regiment relieved
the besieged Ladysmith, to extensive service in the First and Second
World Wars where the Fusiliers fought at the Somme, Dunkirk, north
Africa and in Italy. The regiment amalgamated with the Royal
Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Ulster Rifles in 1968 to form the
Royal Irish Rangers (RIr Rang).
Open Mon-Fri 10.00am-12.30pm, 1.00pm-4.00pm
Admission charge.
Carlow
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Carlow Castle
Town Centre,
Carlow.
The
Mote was erected by Hugh de Lacy in the 1180s. Later the castle was
granted to the earls of Norfolk by the crown. It was captured by James
FitzGerald in 1494 and Silken Thomas in 1535. In 1642 it was occupied
by the armies of the Catholic Confederation, only to be retaken by
Cromwellian troops 8 years later.
Open weekdays
Carlow Military Museum
Old Church , St. Dympna’s, Athy Road , Carlow.
Tel: 087 2850509
E-mail:Carlow Military Musuem
The
museum’s main focus is on the history of the Irish Defence Forces.
Displays feature the uniforms and insignia of the Defence Forces
through the years and document their United Nations service in the
Congo , Lebanon and Somalia . Other displays focus on the involvement
of Carlow people in military service from the Carlow Militia to Captain
Myles Keogh of the US 7th Cavalry and up to the First World War.
Open alternate Sundays during spring and summer. Otherwise by appointment.
Admission charge.
Carlow County Museum
Carlow Town Council,
Town Hall,
Carlow Town
Tel: 00 353 (0) 59 9131759
Collections mainly relating to the social and commercial history of the county.
Open Tues-Fri 11.00am-5.00pm.
Web:Carlow County Museum Website
Cavan
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Cavan County Museum
Virginia Road,
Ballyjamesduff,
Co. Cavan.
Tel: 049 44070
Fax: 049 44332
E-mail: Cavan County Musuem
The county’s local museum, which contains some material of interest to military history.
Open Tues-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm
Sun 2.00pm-6.00pm (June-September only).
Admission charge.
Clare
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Bunratty Castle
Co. Clare
Airport road,
eight miles west of Limerick.
Web: Bunratty Castle Website
Norman
castles were built here from 1251 onwards, although Vikings had
previously established a fortification here earlier, on a strategic
island with a view of river traffic entering and leaving the port of
Limerick . The castle was at first the home of the Gaelic MacNamara
family but passed through marriage into the hands of the O’Briens of
Thomond. The building suffered during the conflicts of the 1600s, when
the O’Briens abandoned it. Today it is internationally known for its
Folk Park and medieval banquets.
Open Daily, year round
Mon-Fri
Summer
9.00 am-6.30 pm
Winter 9.30 am-5.30 pm
Carrigaholt Castle
Seven miles west of Kilkee, Co. Clare (In ruins).
Web: Carrigaholt Castle Website
Built by the McMahons in the fifteenthcentury, this tower house dominated the Corcabascin Peninsula . In 1588 seven ships of the Spanish Armada anchored at Carrigaholt. Soon afterwards government forces unsuccessfully besieged the castle. In 1589 however. the Earl of Thomond captured the castle and killed all its defenders, passing the castle to his brother’s control. His grandson Viscount Clare raised a regiment of horse for James II’s armies in the 1680s but following the victory of the Williamites the castle and estate were confiscated by the crown.
Clare Museum
Arthur’s Row, off O’Connell Square,
Ennis, Co. Clare.
Tel: 065 682 3382
E-mail: Clare Museum
Website: www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum
The
museum holds a number of weapons, medals and memorabilia from the 1798
Rebellion, First and Second World Wars and the War of Independence.
These include pike heads from 1798, rifles and revolvers from the
1916-23 period, mines and anti-submarine devices washed ashore during
the Second world War and the Africa Star, Italy Star and 1939-45 Silver
Medals awarded to nurse Josephine Canny.
Open All year round.
Admission charge.
Craggaunowen
Kilmurry,
Sixmilebridge,
Co. Clare.
Tel: 061 360788
Fax: 061 361020.
Web: Craggaunowen Website
Reconstruction of Celtic village life, including a ring fort.
Open Daily, March-October
Admission charge.
Dysert O’Dea Castle
Dysert O’Dea,
Corofin,
Co. Clare.
Tel: 065 6837401
Web: Dysert O'Dea Castle Website
The castle was built in 1480 by Diarmaid O’Dea. It was badly damaged by Cromwellian forces in 1651. It is close to the site of the 1318 Battle of Dysert O’Dea, where Norman overlord Richard de Clare was defeated and killed by Murtagh O’Brien, king of Thomond and his allies the O’Deas. The castle now houses a museum.
Killaloe Heritage Centre
Killaloe,
Co. Clare.
Tel: 061 376866
Website: Killaloe Heritage Centre
The
centre is devoted to Ireland ’s Celtic heritage. Killaloe was the
birthplace of Brian Boru, king of Munster and the most successful of
the old Irish kings.
Open Daily, 10.00am-6.00pm, May-September
Knappogue Castle
Quin
Co. Clare.
Tel: 061 360788
Web: Knappogue Castle Website
The
castle, seat of the MacNamara family from 1467, was occupied by
Cromwellian forces as a consequence of Douglas MacNamara’s
participation in the 1641 rebellion.
Open Daily, May-October.
Cork
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills Heritage Centre
Killarney Road
five miles from Cork city.
During the Napoleonic Wars the British Board of Ordnance bought local
mills and turned them into a major arms producing centre, employing 500
local men and boys by the 1880s.
Open: This Heritage Centre was closed in 2002.
Bantry French Armada Centre
East Stables,
Bantry House,
Bantry,
Co.Cork
Tel: 027 51796
Web: Bantry French Armada Centre Website
In
1796 a French Fleet carrying almost 15,000 troops, among them the
United Irish leader Wolfe Tone, almost succeeded in landing on the Cork
coast. This centre features audiovisual reconstructions of French Naval
life and the plans of Tone and the United Irishmen.
Open April-October
Admission charge.
Charles Fort
Summer Cove
Kinsale
Tel: 021 4772263
Fax: 021 4774347
Web: Charles Fort Website
One
of the largest military forts in Ireland, the construction of this fort
commenced in 1677 on the site of a medieval castle, which had itself
been occupied by Spanish forces in 1601. The star shaped Charles Fort
saw fighting soon after its construction when it was besieged by the
Williamite general the Duke of Marlborough . It was also the scene of
fighting during the Civil War.
Opening Times
Mid March-October 10.00am-6.00pm
Nov-Mid March, Sat-Sun 10.00am-5.00pm , weekdays by arrangement.
Admission charge & regular guided tours.
Cobh Heritage Centre
Cobh, Co. Cork .
Tel: 021 4813591 Fax 021 4813595
E-mail: Cobh Heritage Centre
Web: Cobh Heritage Centre Website
The centre is primarily concerned with the story of Irish emigration but contains some material relating to naval warfare.
Open Daily, 10.00am-6.00pm (5.00pm in Winter).
Admission charge.
Collins Barracks Cork Military Museum
Collins Barracks
Cork.
Tel: 021 4514125 & 021 4514126
Fax: 021 4502666
The
museum opened in 1985 and was conceived as a tribute to soldiers from
the barracks on lost their lives in the line of duty. Its core
collection is that of memorabilia associated with Michael Collins,
including his personal diary, some personal papers, two of his
revolvers and his War of Independence medal. In addition, the museum
houses a large photographic collection dedicated to the history of the
barracks.
Access controlled. Write to Officer Commanding Collins Barracks, Cork.
Conna Castle
Four miles west of Tullow
Built in the 1550s by Sir Thomas Roe FitzGerald, the castle was lost to the Earl of Essex after FitzGerald joined the 1599 revolt. In 1645 the castle was captured by Confederate Catholic forces and its garrison killed.
Cork Public Museum
FitzGerald Park
Mardyke
Cork
Tel: 021 4270679
Fax: 021 4270931
E-mail: Cork Public Museum
The
museum holds an extensive collection relating to the War of
Independence period in Cork, with artefacts and memorabilia belonging
to Tom Barry, Terence MacSwiney and Thomas MacCurtain. Uniforms, medals
and weapons feature in the collection. The museum also holds a small
number of collections which relate to the involvement of Cork people in
the American Civil War.
Open Times
Mon-Fri 11.00 am-1.00 pm, 2.15 pm-5.00 pm.
Sun 3.00 pm-5.00 pm
Admission free
Desmond Castle
Cork Street
Kinsale.
Tel: 021 477 4855
Web: Desmond Castle Website
Built
in 1500 this castle was captured by the Spanish in the winter of 1601,
during the Battle of Kinsale; it was used to house captured
American sailors during the American Revolution. Known locally as the
‘French Prison’ after 54 French prisoners burned to death here in 1747.
Open Times:
April-June Tue-Sun 10.00am-6.00pm,
June-October, daily 10.00am-6.00pm.
Admission charge.
Kinsale Museum
Market Square
Kinsale.
Tel: 021 4777930
Website: homepage.tinet.ie/~kinsalemuseum/index.html
The
Battle of Kinsale was a decisive turning point in Irish history,
bringing to an end a nine year rebellion which had seen a powerful
alliance of Ulster Gaelic chieftains drive the English from that
province and spread insurrection throughout Ireland. A Spanish
expeditionary force landed in the Kinsale area in September 1601 but
was besieged by English forces under the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. A large
force of Gaelic soldiers led by Hugh O’Neill and Red Hugh O’Donnell
marched from Ulster to link up with the Spanish. Despite early
successes the Irish forces were routed in early 1602 and the Spanish
agreed to withdraw. The defeat ended Spain ’s immediate interest in
Ireland and broke the spirit of the Ulster lords’ resistance, setting
the scene for plantation and conquest. The museum contains a major
exhibition on this theme. There are also collections relating to the
sinking of the Lusitiania in 1915.
Open Times:
Sat 10.00am-5.00pm, Sun 2.00pm-5.00pm.
Mallow Castle
Mallow
Co. Cork
Web: Mallow Castle Website
A fortress of the Desmond family it was granted in 1584 to Sir Thomas Norreys, lord president of Munster . It held out against the Confederates in 1645 and fell into disuse soon after.
West Cork Regional Museum
Western Road
Clonakilty
Co.Cork .
The museum’s main exhibition focuses on the War of Independence in west Cork . Arms and militaria are displayed and there is a special emphasis on the career of Michael Collins.
Derry
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Derry City Walls
Having withstood the famous 105-day siege by Jacobite forces in 1689,
Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland . The
walls encircle the old city, a circuit of one mile and are open to the
public from dawn till dusk, admission free.
Plantation of Ulster Centre
50 High Street
Draperstown
Co. Derry .
Tel: 028 7962 7800
Fax: 028 7962 7732
E-mail: Plantation of Ulser Centre
Interactive
museum and heritage centre which explains the military and political
background to the Ulster Plantations. Following the defeat of the nine
years insurrection, the submission of the major Gaelic lords during the
early 1600s and the ‘Flight of the Earls’ in 1607 the Crown confiscated
land in Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh and granted it to English and
Scottish planters.
Open Times:
Easter-Sept
Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm
Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm.
Oct-Easter
Mon-Fri, 10.00am-4.00pm.
Admission charge.
St. Columb’s Cathedral
London Street
Derry
Tel: 028 71267313
Web: St. Columb's Cathedral Website
The
Cathedral’s museum contains artefacts from the Siege of Derry. The
Cathedral itself contains a copy of Ireland’s Memorial Records of World
War One, memorials to local war dead as well as British and American
regimental flags. The cannon ball which contained a Jacobite note
demanding Derry ’s surrender in 1689 is on display outside the
Cathedral.
Open Mon-Sat, all year round
Summer 9.00am-5.00pm
Winter 9.00am-1.00pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm.
Admission charge.
Tower Museum
The Union Hall Place
Derry
Tel: 028 71372411
Web: Tower Museum Website
The
award winning museum holds numerous artefacts relating to the Siege in
1689, the conflicts between 1912 and 1922 as well as the impact of both
World Wars on the city of Derry.
Open Sept-June,
Tues-Sat & Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am-5.00pm
July-August, Mon-Sat, 10.00am-5.00pm
Admission charge.
Workhouse Museum
23 Glendermott Road ,
Tel: 028 71318328.
Web: Workhouse Museum Website
The
museum’s first floor contains the Atlantic Memorial exhibition that
details the role the city played during the Battle of the Atlantic .
The exhibition contains uniforms, paper items and artefacts.
Open Times
Mon-Thurs and Sat 10.00am-4.00pm.
July-August also open Fridays.
Admission free.
Donegal
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Castledoe
Two miles north east of Creeslough on the coast, by Sheephaven bay.
Built in the 1520s by MacSweeney Doe, head of a branch of the O’Donnell family, the castle was subjected to over twenty sieges before being abandoned in the late 1600s. Sailors from the Spanish Armada were given refuge at the castle in 1588. In 1601 Red Hugh O’Donnell seized the castle, as did Confederate Catholics in 1641, the Cromwellians in 1650 and both Jacobites and Williamites during the 1690s.
Donegal Castle
Donegal Town.
Web: Donegal Castle Website
Built in the 1400s this castle became the chief seat of the powerful O’Donnell clan. After the flight of the earls the O’Donnell lands were granted to the Brooke family, who successfully defended the castle during the 1641 rebellion and the Jacobite wars.
Donegal County Museum
High Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Tel: 074-24613
Web: Donegal County Museum Website
Exhibits chart the history of the county and include a section on the Emergency.
Open Daily. Admission free.
Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre
Rathmullan Harbour
Co. Donegal.
Tel: 074 9158131
Based
in a fort constructed during the Napoleonic Wars and situated close to
where the ‘flight’ took place, exhibits explain how in 1607 Hugh
O’Neill, earl of Tyrone, Rory O’Donnell, earl of Tyrconnell and
Cuchonnacht Maguire, lord of Fermanagh fled Ireland. The government
declared their leaving treasonous and confiscated their lands to make
way for the Ulster Planatation.
Open Easter weekend
mid May-mid September, Mon-Sat, 10.00 am-6.00 pm, Sun, 12.00-6.00 pm.
Admission charge.
Fort Dunree Military Museum
Dunree
Linsfort
Buncrana
Co. Donegal.
Tel: 077 61817
E-mail: Fort Dunree Military Museum
Website: www.dunree.pro.ie/
Originally
built to guard against French naval incursion between 1798 and 1800, by
1900 Fort Dunree was a modern coastal defence fortification. During
October 1914 its guns protected the British Grand Fleet while it
sheltered in Lough Swilly. In 1938 the fort was handed over to the
Irish Free State and was an important part of the defence effort during
the Emergency. It continued to be used for military training until the
1980s. The museum uses interactive technology to bring to life the
history of the fort.
Open June-September, Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.00pm, Sun 1.00-6.00pm.
Greencastle (Northburgh)
East of Greencastle village,
on Inishowen shore of Lough Foyle . (In ruins)
Built by the Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgo in 1305 to subdue the local O’Donnells and O’Neills. The castle was an important strategic post controlling entry to Lough Foyle. In 1316 it was captured by Edward Bruce. Following the murder of William de Burgo in 1333, the de Burgos lost their power in the region, and the castle passed into the control of the O’Dohertys. However in 1555 the castle was almost destroyed during fighting among the O’Dohertys and O’Donnells and although garrisoned by the crown into the 1600s it was eventually abandoned.
Grianan of Aileach
Off Buncrana-Derry road,
Inishowen.
Web: Grianan of Aileach Website
This
was the ancient fort and stronghold of the O’Neills of Ulster from the
fifth to the twelfth centuries, until its destruction by Murtagh
O’Brien of Munster in 1101. Set 800 feet above sea level the fort
provides spectacular views of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.
Down
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Down County Museum
The Mall,
Downpatrick,
Co. Down BT30 6AH
Tel: 028 4461 5218
Fax:028 4461 5590
E-mail: Down County Museum
Web: Down County Museum Website
This
museum is situated in the former Down county gaol, in which former
United Irish leader, thomas Russell was imprisoned prior to his public
execution in 1803. The museum holds material relating to the 1798 and
1803 rebellions including weapons and documents. There are also
exhibits on the Ulster and Irish Volunteer’s from 1912 onwards and
substantial collections relating to the two World Wars..
Open Tue-Fri 11.00am-5.00pm, Sat & Sun, 2.00pm-5.00pm.
Dundrum Castle
Dundrum village,
Co. Down.
Web: Dundrum Castle Website
Founded
by John de Courcy in 1177 the castle was seized from him by King John
in 1210. The castle was in turn seized by the Magennis family in the
1300s, who held it until expelled by Lord Mountjoy in 1601. The
Maginnis family retook the castle during the 1641 Rebellion but it was
captured and dismantled by Cromwellian forces in 1652.
Open.
Green Castle
Seashore Carlingford Lough
off A2 Kilkeel-Warrenpoint road.
Tel: 028 9054 3037
E-mail:Green Castle
Web: Green Castle Website
Built
in the mid thirteenth century the castle commanded the sea link to
Carlingford. It was besieged and captured by Edward Bruce in 1316. It
was again besieged in 1333-34 and captured by Irish forces in 1343 and
1375. In 1505 it was granted to the Earls of Kildare but was destroyed
by Cromwellian forces in 1652.
Guided tours available.
Grey Point Fort
The Fort,
Helen’s Bay,
Co. Down BT19 1LE
Tel: 028 9185 3621
Web:
A
coastal artillery site was built at Grey Point on the shores of Belfast
Lough between 1904 and 1907, to provide security for Belfast port.
Housing 6 inch guns and two mark VII saluting guns, it was
operational during both world wars and remained manned until 1957. With
the fort’s closure its guns were removed. When in 1987 the fort
was restored as a historic site, two 6 inch guns Mark VII, were donated
by the Irish Defence Forces from coastal defence forts in Cork Harbour .
Open All year round, 10.00 am-5.00 pm.
Jordan’s Castle
Ardglass,
Co. Down.
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90546552
Built in the 1400s to defend the seaport of Ardglass, it withstood a lengthy siege during Tyrone’s rebellion.
Open to public.
North Down Heritage Centre
Town Hall,
Bangor
Co. Down.
Tel: +44 (0)28 91271200
Web: North Down Heritage Centre
The centre houses material relating to the social history of the county.
Open Daily, 10.30am-4.30pm
Somme Heritage Centre,
233 Bangor Road,
Newtownards,
Co. Down, BT23 7PH
Tel: 028 4782 3202
E-mail: Somme Heritage Centre
Website: www.irishsoldier.org
This
Heritage Centre holds over 5000 artefacts dealing with the First World
War. Education is central to the Centre’s aims and guided tours and
education packs aimed at school goers are available. Elements of the
battlefields of the War are reconstructed in a multi-media
exhibition and the political background to pre war Ireland is
illustrated through the use of material from the Irish and Ulster
Volunteers. There is a database of Irish fatalities of the Great War
for those wishing to trace details of relatives. The Somme Association,
which coordinates research into Ireland ’s part in the First World War,
is based at the Centre.
Open Mon-Thurs 10.00am-4.00pm, Sat& Sun 12.00pm-4.00pm.
Dublin
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Arbour Hill Cemetry
Arbour Hill,
Dublin 7.
Web: Arbour Hill Cemetry
The
1916 Memorial, located in the cemetery at the rear of the Church of the
Sacred Heart, contains the graves of 14 of the executed leaders of the
1916 Rising. The cemetery also contains the graves of many soldiers who
died while serving with the British army in Dublin . The colours of
various battalions of the Defence Forces formed to serve with the
United Nations are laid up in the Scurch of the Sacred Heart. The
church also contains a number of British army regimental plaques.
Open Daily 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Bank of Ireland
College Green,
Dublin 2.
Situated
within the bank and open to the public is the former House of
Lords of the Irish parliament during the eighteenth century. On either
wall are tapestries commemorating the battle of the Boyne and the siege
of Derry . College Green was the site for numerous mobilisations of the
Volunteer movement during the 1780s. The cannon, a carronade, in the
Bank’s forecourt date from the period of the Napoleonic Wars.
Open Mon-Fri, 10.00am-4.00pm.
Christchurch Cathedral
Dublin
Tel: 01 6778099
Website: www.cccdub.ie/visitors/visitinfo.html
The
cathedral is the burial place of many of the first Anglo Norman lords
of Dublin and site of memorials to Irish dead of the two World Wars.
Open Mon-Fri 9.45am-5.00pm, Sat & Sun 10.00am-5.00pm
Admission-donation
City Hall
Dame Street , Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6722204 Fax 01 6722620
E-mail: City Hall
Website: City Hall Website
A
permanent multi-media exhibition The Story of the Capital includes many
references to the experience of warfare in Dublin from the Viking
period onwards. The City Hall itself was the scene of fighting during
the 1916 Rising and a plague commemorates members of the Irish Citizen
Army killed there.
Open Mon-Sat, 10.00am-5.15pm,
Sun 2.00am-5.00pm.
Admission charge.
Civic Museum
58 South William Street ,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6794260
Exhibits deal with the social, economic and political history of Dublin .
Open Times
Tues-Sat 10.00am-6.00pm
Sun 11.00am-2.00pm
Admission free.
Croppies’ Acre Memorial Garden
Collins Barracks,
Dublin 7.
The portion of the esplanade, in front of Collins Barracks, is called is called the Croppie’s Acre . This is because hundreds of executed rank and file of the 1798 Rebellion are said to be buried there. An official memorial was formally unveiled here in 1998.
Dublin Castle
Dame Street
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6777129
Fax: 01 6797831
Web: Dublin Castle Website
Built
originally in the thirteenth century it functioned as a prison,
treasury, courts of law and military fortress but, most famously, as
the seat of English and British administration in Ireland and hence was
subject to numerous sieges and attacks over the centuries. Its Heraldic
Museum holds a collection of flags of the eighteenth century Irish
regiments of France .
Open Courtyard every day. 10.00am-5.00pm. Admission free.
State Apartments Mon-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm, Sat,
Sun and Bank Holidays 2.00pm-5.00pm. Admission charge
Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Museum
New Cusack Stand
Croke Park , Dublin 3.
Tel: 01 8192323
Fax: 01 8192324
E-mail: GAA Museum
website: Gaa Museum Website
This
museum holds many materials related to the development of militant
nationalism in the early twentieth Century as well as from the 1916-21
period. The Croke Park stadium itself was the scene of the November
1920 Bloody Sunday massacre.
Open May-September Mon-Sat,
9.30am-5.00pm October-April Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm, Sundays
12.00pm-5.00pm (restrictions on match days).
Admission charge.
Garda Siochana Museum and Archives
The Records Tower , Dublin Castle , Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6719597
Website: www.esatclear.ie/~garda/index.html
The
museum features exhibits relating to the history of the Garda from 1922
but also material on the story of policing in Ireland with much
relevance to the conflicts of the twentieth century.
Open Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm
Admission free.
Garden of Remembrance
Parnell Square East , Dublin 1.
Tel: 01 6472498
This memorial garden was opened in 1966 and is dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish independence.
Open Every day - Summer 9.30am-8.00pm
Winter 11.00am-4.00pm.
Admission free.
General Post Office (GPO)
O’Connell Street
Dublin 1.
Web: General Post Office Website
The headquarters of the 1916 rebels, almost destroyed by shelling during the Rising, it was reopened in 1928.
Open Daily.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Finglas Road
Dublin 11.
E-mail: Glasnevin Cemetry
Website: www.glasnevintrust.ie
This
is the final resting place of numerous personalities connected to the
Irish nationalist and republican movement among them Michael Collins,
Eamon de Valera, Countess Markievicz, Roger Casement and Kevin Barry.
Open Daylight hours. Admission free.
Tours Wednesday and Friday - contact 01 8301133.
Irish Jewish Museum
3-4 Walworth Road,
South Circular Road
Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 4531797/6760737
Web: Irish Jewish Museum Website
The
museum holds some material on the involvement of Irish Jews in warfare,
such as Robert Briscoe, IRA gunrunner during the War of Independence
and later lord mayor of Dublin.
Open May-September, Sun, Tue, Thurs, 11.00am-3.30pm.
October-April, Sunday only, 10.30am-2.30pm.
Donations accepted.
Kilmainham Jail
Inchicore Road, Dublin 8
Tel: 01 4535984
Fax: 01 4532037
Web: Kilmainham Gaol Website
Today
one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, Kilmainham housed rebel
prisoners in 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867, 1916 and from 1919-23. Numerous
personalities from Irish history such as Robert Emmett, Charles Stewart
Parnell, James Connolly and Eamon de Valera were imprisoned here. It
was the scene of many executions and dramatic escapes and continued in
use until the end of the Civil War. Its museum has a comprehensive
exhibition of materials relating to Irish history. Guided tours of the
prison daily, on the hour. The gaol and museum are often extremely busy
during the summer months.
Open April-September, daily 9.30am-6.00pm
(last admission 4.45) October-March, Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm (last
admission 4pm) Sun 10.00am-6.00pm (last admission 4.45). Tours last one
hour - allow extra 30 minutes to see exhibition. Admission charge.
National Maritime Museum Dun Laoghaire
The Mariners Church
Haigh Terrace
Dun Laoghaire .
Tel: 01-2800969
Website: www.dun-laoghaire.com/dir/maritime.html
Among
the items of military interest on display are the Bantry Boat, a 38’
long officers barge captured during the failed French landing of 1796
and the Irish merchant ship Kerlogue that rescued 168 German sailors in
the Bay of Biscay during 1943. The museum also houses a permanent
display of models, photographs, documents and uniforms that
commemorates the Naval Service.
Open From Easter Sundays and Bank Holidays 1.00pm-5.00pm.
May-September Tues-Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm
Admission Charge.
National Museum of Ireland ,
Collins Barracks
Benburb Street ,
Dublin 7.
Tel: 01 6777444
Fax: 01 6777828
Web: National Museum Website
Situated in a former military barracks, from 2007 this museum has included a major permanent exhibition dealing with Ireland’s military heritage. While other areas of the museum deal with the military history of Ireland until 1600, this exhibition traces military history in Ireland, and uses origianl artefacts, letters, replicas and interactives to show how soldiering and war affected the lives of Irish people Three main themes are explained through the eyes of the average Irish soldier and civilian caught up in war and conflict here in Ireland: Irish soldiers at home; Irish soldiers abroad; and Irish soldiers in the 20th century. The exhibition also looks at the economic and social aspects of war: why soldiers jopin armies; women and families at war; and soldiers' experience of war and conflict.
The extensive collection of military artefacts, loand and recent donations have been sourced from museums all over the world. It is on permanent display over eight galleries, covering 1,700 sq m in Collins Barracks.
Open times
Tues-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm
Sun 2.00pm-5.00pm
Admission free.
The National Museum
Kildare Street , Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6777444
Fax: 01 6766116
Permanent
exhibitions on the impact of the Viking and Norman invasions contain
much of military interest. ‘Kings, Lords and Warriors’ deals with the
wars of the Norman conquest and includes exhibits such as an early
siege gun. Medals and flags from the nineteenth century include those
relating to the Young Irelanders and the Fenians. The Museum contains a
permanent exhibition entitled the ‘Road to Independence ’, which
features uniforms, weapons, medals and flags from the 1912 -23 period.
Included among the exhibits are weapons that belonged to Patrick
Pearse, Countess Markievicz, Ernie O’Malley, Michael Collins and Eamon
de Valera.
Open times
Tues-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm
Sun 2.00pm-5.00pm
Admission free.
National War Memorial Park
Islandbridge,
Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 6472498 or 01 6770236
Web: National War Memorial Park Website
Site
of the National War Memorial Gardens built as a permanent tribute to
the Irish dead of the World War One, the Gardens now also commemorate
Irish fatalities of World War Two. Sunken rose gardens and extensive
tree planting make the site an area of great beauty. Four granite
Bookrooms contain the names of the 49,400 Irish dead of 1914-1918 in
Ireland’s Memorial Records.
Open Mon-Fri 8.00am
Sun 10.00am Daylight hours.
Access to Bookrooms by arrangement with management.
Admission free.
Pearse Museum and St. Enda’ Park
St. Enda’s Park,
Grange Road
Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Tel: 01 493 4208
Fax: 01 493 6120
Web: Pearse Museum and St Enda's Park Website
Situated
in the building that housed the school run by the 1916 rebel leader,
with audiovisual presentation ‘This Man Kept a School’ and attractive
gardens and nature walks.
Open May-August daily, 10.00am-8.00pm
September-October 10.00am-7.00pm
November-March, 10.00am-4.30pm.
Admission free.
Fermanagh
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Enniskillen Castle
Castle Barracks
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh
E-mail: Enniskillen Castle
Website: www.enniskillencastle.co.uk
Tel: 028 663 25000
Fax: 028 663 27342
The
castle was built in the 1400s as a stronghold of local Gaelic
chieftains the Maguires, whose rule was interrupted periodically by
attacks from the neighbouring O’Neills and O’Donnells. In the 1600s the
English took the castle and the plantation town of Enniskillen took its
name from the building. Later it became the headquarters of the Royal
Inniskilling Fusiliers. Today Enniskillen Castle comprises the Castle
Keep and an array of nineteenth century buildings.The Fermanagh County
Museum is located in the latter, while the Castle Keep is hme to the
Inniskillings Museum .
Open Times
Open
All year round, Mon-Fri, Sundays, July and August only.
Admission charge.
Fermanagh County Museum
Enniskillen Castle
Co. Fermanagh
Tel: 028 663 25000
Fax: 028 663 27342
The museum’s colourful exhibits and audio-visual programmes relate to the history, wildlife and landscape of Fermanagh.
Open Mon-Sat, all year round, Sundays, Julay and August only.
Old Crom Castle
Crom, west of Newtownbutler.
Only built in 1611 the castle withstood two Jacobite sieges in 1689.
Open to public.
Inniskillings Museum, The
The Castle
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh BT74 7HL
Tel: 028 6632 3142
Fax: 028 6632 0359
Web: Inniskillings Museum Website
The museum tells the story of Enniskillen's two famous regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
Situated in the historic building of Enniskillen Castle, the museum consists of a series of show cases containing a wide selection of artefacts, uniforms, weapons and regimental silver. Each case also contains information panels telling the regiments' history. There are also a number of figure reconstructions representing episodes in the regiments' history. Hundreds of campaign and gallantry medals are displayed. Touch screens further enrich the visitors' experience. Also on show are military vehicles such as would have been used by the regiments. In the ground floor is a virtual reality tour for the handicapped.
The library contains archives relevant to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and these may be consulted by appointment.
Open May-September Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm
(Sunday 2.00pm-5.00pm during July & August)
Winter Mon-Fri.
Admission charge.
Tully Castle
West shore of Lower Lough Erne , on A46 Enniskillen-Belleek Road .
Tel: 028 9054 3037
e-mail: Email Tully Castle
Web: Tully Castle Website
Built
in during the Ulster Plantations by the Hume family, it was captured
and burned by the Maguires during the rebellion of 1641 and its
inhabitants massacred.
Open to public.
Galway
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Athenry Castle
Athenry
Co. Galway .
Tel: 091 844797
Fax: 091 845796
E-mail: Athenry Castle
Web: Athenry Castle Website
A
Norman fortification built by Meiler de Bermingham from 1250 onwards,
its walls were completed by 1316. It was captured and destroyed by Red
Hugh O’Donnell in 1596. It now contains an audiovisual exhibition.
Open Times
April-October Tues-Sun 10.00am-5.00pm
(June-mid September open Mondays).
Admission charge.
Aughnanure Castle
Oughterard
Co. Galway .
Tel: 091 552214
Fax: 091 557244
Web: Aughnanure Castle Website
This castle was built by the O’Flahertys in 1500 on what is virtually a rocky island close to Lough Corrib.
Open Times
May-mid June Sat-Sun 9.30am-6.00pm
Mid June-September daily, 9.30am-6.00pm
October, Sat, Sun 9.30am-6.00pm.
Admission charge.
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre
Aughrim,
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway .
Tel: 0905 73939
The
Centre commemorates the key Williamite victory of July 1691, which saw
45,000 soldiers from across Europe join in battle at this site. St
Ruth, the Jacobite commander, made his stand here after retreating from
Athlone, but was outflanked and he died early in the battle. 7,000
Jacobite troops were killed, many as they fled, and the back of
Jacobite resistance in Ireland was broken. Exhibits explain the
background to the war in England ’s Glorious Revolution (1688), and its
aftermath, with the departure of the Wild Geese from Ireland .
Open Times
June-September guided tours available
Battlefield signposted.
Admission charge.
Fiddaun Castle
5 miles south west of Gort, Co. Galway
Web: Fiddaun Castle Website
Built during the 1500s for the O’Shaughnessy family, it was forfeited to the crown in 1697 because of the participation of Sir William O’Shaughnessy in the Jacobite armies. He fled to France and became a mareschal de camp in 1734.
Military Museum , Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa,
Renmore Barracks,
Galway .
Tel: 091 701054, 087 9083105
For visits 091 751156
E-mail: Military Museum Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa
Originally
the depot of the Connaught Rangers, Renmore has been an Irish Army base
since 1922. Several exhibits commemorate the Connaught Rangers with
uniforms, weapons and a regimental drum on display. The War of
Independence and Civil War displays include weapons landed from the
Asgard in 1914, and guns belonging to Dan Breen, Michael Collins and
the Countess Markievicz. There is also a motorcycle belonging to IRA
leader Liam Mellows. Among the items featured from the Emergency period
is a parachute used by downed German airmen in Galway . Finally the
various peacekeeping missions of the Defence Forces are illustrated,
most poignantly by weapons from the 1960 Niemba ambush in the Congo in
which 9 Irish soldiers died.
Visits by appointment only - call a week in advance if possible.
Oranmore Castle
The stronghold of the Anglo Norman Clanricarde family, it was surrendered to Cromwellian forces in 1651, the Clanricardes having joined the 1641 rebellion.
Pearse Cottage
Ros Muc, off R340 road.
Tel: 091 574292.
Web: Pearse House Website
The summer residence of the 1916 leader, destroyed during the War of Independence, it now contains an exhibition on his life.
Open Times
Easter Sat, Sun, Mon 10.00am-5.00pm.
June-September daily, 10.00am-6.00pm.
Admission charge.
Wild Geese Heritage Museum and Library
Auvergne Lodge
Dominic Street
Portumna
Co. Galway .
Tel: 0509 41138
E-mail: Wild Geese Heritage Musuem & Library
Website: indigo.ie/~wildgees/
This museum is dedicated to the Irish soldiers who fled into foreign service after 1691, aims to become an international research centre on the subject.
Kerry
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Carrigafoyle Castle.
2 miles north of Ballylongford. (In ruins).
Tel: (068) 43304
Built in the late 1400s by the O’Connors of Kerry, the castle saw several bloody sieges. In 1580 the castle was held for the earl of Desmond by a mixture of Irish, Italian and Spanish troops. Then Lord Justice Sir William Pelham besieged and captured the building and hanged all its defenders.
Kerry County Museum
Thomas Ashe Memorial Hall
Tralee .
Tel: (066) 7127777
Email: Email Kerry Museum
Web: Kerry County Museum
The
museum holds a number of items relating to the War of Independence
including Irish Volunteers minute books and activists’ diaries.
Open Times
17 March-October 31 10.00am-6.00pm.
November-December 21 11.00am-4.00pm
Ross Castle
Killarney
Co. Kerry.
Tel: 064 35851/2
Web: Ross Castle Website
Built
in the late fifteenth century by the O’Donoghue Ross chieftains, the
castle is considered typical of Irish Chieftains’ strongholds in that
period.
Open April-October daily, 10.00am-5.30pm.
Admission charge.
Kildare
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Athy Heritage Centre
Town Hall, Athy,
Co. Kildare.
Tel: (059) 8633075
E-mail: Athy Heritage Centre
Important
collections devoted to the rich military history of this county,
especially during the First World War, are housed in this centre.
Open Times
Mon-Sat 10.00am-6.00pm
Sun 2.00pm-6.00pm
Admission charge.
Leixlip Castle
Web: Lexilip Castle Website
Built by the Anglo-Norman de Hereford family in 1171, the castle was besieged by Edward Bruce in 1317. It then became the stronghold of the powerful Kildare FitzGeralds, one of the pre-eminent families of medieval Ireland , until it was seized following the rebellion of ‘Silken Thomas’ FitzGerald in 1534.
Maynooth Castle
Maynooth,
Co. Kildare.
Tel: 01 628 6744
Fax: 01 628 6848
E-mail: Maynooth Castle
Web: Maynooth Castle Website
Great
stone castle built around 1200 and the principal stronghold of the
Kildare FitzGeralds, one of Ireland’s most powerful families of the
Middle Ages. In 1316 King Edward II raised John fitz Thomas Fitzgerald
to the earldom of Kildare for his It was captured by Henry VIII’s Lord
Deputy in Ireland , Sir William Skeffington, in 1535 after a siege
involving one of the first uses of siege guns in Ireland . Despite the
garrison’s surrender they were all killed. It again saw fighting during
the 1641 rebellion.
Open June-Sept Mon-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays, 1.00pm-6.00pm. October Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm.
Admission charge.
Kilkenny
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny City.
Tel: 056 21450
Fax: 056 63488
web: Kilkenny Castle Website
This
is a twelfth century castle which for many years was the seat of the
Butler family, the dukes of Ormonde. Kilkenny castle was at the centre
of power struggles in medieval Ireland several parliaments being held
there. During the Civil War Anti-Treaty forces occupied it briefly.
Open Daily, April-May, 10.30am-5.00pm, June-August, 9.30am-5.00pm, October-March, 10.30am-12.45pm, 2.00pm-5.00pm.
Admission charge.
Laois
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballaghmore Castle
Mountrath,
Co. Laois.
Tel: 0505 21453
Web: Ballaghmore Castle
Built by the local Gaelic overlord MacGiollaphádraig in 1480, the castle was partially destroyed by Cromwellian forces in 1647.
Dunamase Castle
3 miles west of Stradbally.
Built in the 1200s by the Anglo-Normans, it fell to the O’Mores during the fourteenth century. It was taken from them by Sir Charles Coote in 1641 but retaken by Eoghan Roe O’Neill in 1646. The castle was dismantled after being captured by Cromwellian forces in 1650.
Lea Castle
2 miles west of Portarlington.
Built in the 1200s and owned by Sir William Marshall, the castle was burnt in 1285 by the O’Connors, in 1307 by the O’Mores and in 1315 by Edward Bruce. It passed through the ownership of several warring families before it was finally destroyed by Cromwellians in 1650.
Leitrim
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Parkes Castle
Fivemile Bourne.
Tel: 071 64149
Web: Parkes Castle Website
This was formerly the stronghold of the O'Rourkes, the local overlords
during the Middle Ages. Sir Brian O'Rourke was executed at Tyburn,
London in 1591.
Open Times
Mid March-end October daily 10.00am-6.00pm.
Admission charge.
Limerick
A B C B D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Adare Castle
Adare village,
Co. Limerick. (In ruins).
Web: Adare Castle Website
Built in the early 1200s the castle was for 300 years a stronghold of
the Kildare FitzGeralds. Following the final supression of the
rebellion of silken Thomas in 1536, it was granted to the earl of
Desmond but was lost to English troops in 1578. There were further
sieges in 1579, 1581 and 1600. It was finally destroyed by English
troops in 1657.
Carrigogunnell Castle
Two miles north west of Mungret village. (In ruins).
Web: Carrigogunnell Castle Website
This thirteenth century castle was the property of the O'Briens of
Thomond, but in 1536 it was captured by government forces under Lord
Deputy Grey who massacred its garrison. The castle was confiscated from
the O'Briens during the Cromwellian forfeitures. In 1691 it was mined
and blown up by Williamite troops after its Jacobite defenders had
surrendered.
De Valera Museum
Bruree schoolhouse,
Bruree,
Co. Limerick .
Tel: 063 91300/90900
The National School attended by de Valera is now a museum dedicated to
his life in its personal, military and political spheres.
Open Times
Mon-Fri 10.00am-5.00pm
Sat-Sun 2.00pm-5.00pm
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Foynes,
Co. Limerick .
Tel: 069 65416
Web: Foynes Flying Boat Museum Wesbite
During the 1930s and 1940s Foynes was a fulcrum point for air travel
between the United States and Europe . During the Emergency key radio
and weather surveillance was carried out here. The museum features an
exhibition on the war years.
Open Times
April-31 October 10.00am-6.00pm
King Johns Castle
Kings Island
Limerick city.
Tel: 061 360788
Fax: 061 361020
Web: King Johns Castle Website
Built originally between 1200 and 1210, the castle was captured by
Edward Bruce's forces in 1316, the O'Briens and MacNamaras in 1369,
Confederate Catholics in 1642 and Cromwell's army in 1651. It withstood
the Williamite army in 1690 but was captured by them a year later.
Open Times
April-October 9.30am-5.30pm,
Nov-March 10.30am-4.30pm
Admission charge.
Limerick City Museum – Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum
Castle Lane,
Nicholas Street
Limerick City.
Tel: 061 417826
E-mail: Limerick City Museum
Web: Limerick City Museum
Exhibits
of military interest include those on the sieges of the city in the
1640s and 1690s; the history of the Royal Munster Fusiliers during the
Boer and First World Was; and local experience during the 1916-23
period. There is an extensive collection relating to the stand off
between pro and ant-treaty forces in the city during July 1922.
Open Times
Tues-Sat, 10.00 am-5.00 pm
Admission free.
Longford
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballinamuck Battle Heritage Centre
Ballinamuck,
Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 24848
The
centre commemorates the final battle of the 1798 rebellion. In
September 1798 French troops under General Humbert, having scored
successes in the west, eventually surrendered to a British force under
General Cornwallis. Honourable terms were offered to the French but
their Irish allies were scattered with great losses. The battlefield
itself is signposted, with a walking trail available. There is also a
1798 Garden of Remembrance in the town.
Open Times 10.00am-6.00pm
Admission charge.
Louth
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Boyne Valley Site
Oldbridge
estate. On south bank of the river Boyne, approach from Slane or
Drogheda by Donore village or from N51 across Obelisk Bridge .
Tel: 041 9884343
Fax: 041 988 4323
E-mail: Boyne Valley Site
Web: Battle of the Boyne Website
The site of the famous battle in July 1690, when King James II and King
William III led over 60,000 men into battle against each other. Jame's
Jacobite army hoped to cut off the Williamite advance towards Dublin
but were outflanked and forced to retreat, without fighting a major
engagement. Hence losses on both sides were relatively light, with
about 1,000 Jacobites and 500 Williamites killed. The presence of both
James and William at the battle and its subsequent adoption as the
central festival of the Orange Order have made it possibly the best
known military encounter in Irish history. However it was less
strategically important than the Williamite victory at Aughrim a year
later.
The battle site has developed as a historical site.
Open Times June-8 September 9.30am-5.30pm.
Guided tour - outdoors.
Castle Roche
Web: Castle Roche Website
Built by the Anglo-Norman De Verdon family this castle was one of
the frontier outposts of the English Pale. It is close to the
site of the Battle of Faughart, which occasioned the death of Edward
Bruce in 1318. The castle itself was burnt in 1332.
Drogheda Heritage Centre
Mary Street
Drogheda .
Tel: 042 983 1153
This c entre for local history houses several interactive social history displays.
Dundalk County Museum
Jocelyn Street,
Dundalk
Co. Louth.
Tel: 042 9327056
Fax 042 9327058
Email Dundalk County Museum
Web: Dundalk Museum Website
Exhibits on the story of Louth from ancient times to the present day.
Open Times
Mondays (May to September) 10.30am to 5.30pm
Tues-Sat 10.30am-5.30p
Sun 2.00pm-6.00pm.
Millmount Museum
Millmount
Drogheda
Co. Louth.
Tel: 041 9833097 Fax 041 9841599
E-mail: Millmount Museum
This museum is located in the former Officer's Quarters of a barracks.
Historically Millmount was the site of a Norman fortification and was
the scene of fighting during Cromwell's siege of the town in 1649. The
museum holds weapons and memorabilia relating to local involvement in
the Williamite Wars, the 1798 Rebellion, the 1867 Fenian Rebellion, the
1916-23 period and the First and Second World Wars. Of particular
interest are exhibits dealing with the bloody capturing of the town by
Cromwell and the Battle of the Boyne . There is now a fully restored
Martello Tower dating from the Napoleonic Wars open to the public. The
tower itself was the scene of fighting in 1922 during the Civil War.
Open daily. Admission charge.
Mayo
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Clew Bay Heritage Centre,
The Quay, Westport, Co. Mayo.
Tel: 098 26852
E-mail westportheritage@eircom.net
Web: Clew Bay Heritage Centre Website
The centre's exhibitions include a section on the War of Independence and Civil War, and a display on the life of Major John MacBride, an officer in the Irish Brigade during the Boer War who was later executed for his part in the 1916 Rising. The centre also holds a small collection of papers relating to the Westport battalion of the IRA during the War of Independence.
Davitt Museum
Straide
Foxford
Co. Mayo.
Tel: 094-31022.
E-mail: Davitt Museum
Website: www.museumsofmayo.com/davitt.htm
The museum commemorates the life of Fenian and Land League leader
Michael Davitt, a key figure during the Land War of the 1880s.
Open Times
10.00am-6.00pm daily.
Granuaile Centre,
Off main street
Louisburgh, Co. Mayo.
Tel: 098 66341
Fax: 098 66455
Displays and an audio-visual presentation tell the story of Grace
O'Malley the legendary ‘pirate queen' who ruled over this part of the
west coast during the late 1500s. Her navy defeated English forces
deployed to subdue her in 1574 and 1579. In 1588 she captured ships
belonging to the Spanish Armada and massacred their crews, for which
Queen Elizabeth received her in state.
Open June-mid September.
Rockfleet Castle
Westport Tourist Office
James Street,
Westport
Tel: 098 25711
From 1566 Rockfleet was the stronghold of Grace O'Malley, and the base from which her navy controlled the west coast.
Meath
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Boyne Valley Site
Oldbridge
estate. On south bank of the river Boyne, approach from Slane or
Drogheda by Donore village or from N51 across Obelisk Bridge .
Tel: 041 9884343
Fax: 041 988 4323
E-mail: Boyne Valley Site
Web: Battle of the Boyne Website
The site of the famous battle in July 1690, when King James II and King
William III led over 60,000 men into battle against each other. Jame's
Jacobite army hoped to cut off the Williamite advance towards Dublin
but were outflanked and forced to retreat, without fighting a major
engagement. Hence losses on both sides were relatively light, with
about 1,000 Jacobites and 500 Williamites killed. The presence of both
James and William at the battle and its subsequent adoption as the
central festival of the Orange Order have made it possibly the best
known military encounter in Irish history. However it was less
strategically important than the Williamite victory at Aughrim a year
later.
The battle site has developed as a historical site.
Open Times June-8 September 9.30am-5.30pm.
Guided tour - outdoors.
Donore Castle
8 miles south west of Trim.
Built during the 1400s as part of the Pale defences, the castle was the
scene of the massacre by Cromwellian troops of over 40 inhabitants
including the family of its owner James MaGeoghegan in 1650.
Ledwidge Museum
Janeville,
Slane,
Co. Meat h
Tel: 041 9824544
Web: Ledwidge Museum Website
Former home of the poet Francis Ledwidge, a member of the Irish
Volunteers who joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1914, saw
service with the 10 th (Irish) Division at Gallipoli and was killed
while serving with the 16 th (Irish) Division near Ypres, Belgium in
1917.
Open Times 7 days a week , 10.00am-1.00pm, 2.00pm-5.30pm.
Admission charge.
Trim Castle
Trim,
Co. Meath.
Tel: 046 9438619
Fax: 046 9438618.
Web: Trim Castle Website
The largest Anglo Norman fortress in Ireland , constructed over a
period of thirty years after 1172 by Hugh de lacy and his son Walter to
curb the expansionist policies of rival lord Richard de Clare
(Strongbow). The castle had to be rebuilt after an attack by Roderick
of Connaught in 1174.
Open Times
May-Oct daily. Guided tours.
Admission charge.
Trim Heritage Centre
Castle Street
Trim
Co. Meath.
Tel: 046 9436633
Tells the story of the Norman presence in the county.
Monaghan
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Monaghan County Museum
1-2 Hill Street, Monaghan. Tel: 047-82928 Fax 047 71189
E-mail moncomuseum@tinet.ie
Web: Monaghan County Museum Website
The museum contains numerous collections relevant to military history,
especially as it impacted on Monaghan. Exhibits deal with the Battle of
Clontibret (1595), the growth of the Volunteer movement in the 1780s,
the yeomanry and rebels of 1798 up to the War of Independence and the
Civil War.
Open Tues-Sat. 10.00 am-5.00 pm
Admission free
Offaly
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Leap Castle
Leap,
Co. Offaly.
A fortress of the O'Carroll family, the castle survived an attack by
the FitzGeralds in 1516 and the earl of Sussex in 1557. After the
plantation years, it passed into the ownership of the Darby family.
However, it was destroyed in 1922 during the Civil War.
Open to the public.
Roscommon
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballintober Castle
Village, 11 miles north west of Roscommon.
Built in the 1290s, it was taken over by the O'Connors in the
mid-1300s, who made it the chief seat of their family until 1652. In
1598 they were forced to submit to Red Hugh O'Donnell when he attacked
the castle with cannon. The O'Connors joined the 1641 rebellion and, as
a result, the castle was confiscated in 1652.
King House
Main Street,
Boyle,
Co. Roscommon
Tel: 079 63242 Fax 079 63243
e-mail: King House
From 1788 King House was a barracks in which the headquarters of the
Roscommon Militia and from 1881 the 4 th (Militia) Battalion of the
Connaught Rangers (88 th Foot) was located A permanent
exhibition traces the history of the Connaught Rangers, focusing on
recruitment, living conditions and the regiment's campaigns, including
the mutiny in India in July 1920.
Open Times
May-October, daily 10.00am-6.00pm.
October –May weekends 10.00am-6.00pm
Roscommon Castle
Roscommon Town . (In ruins)
Web: Roscommon Castle Website
Built originally by Robert de Uffort in 1269 as part of an attempt by
the Anglo-Normans to establish control west of the Shannon , the castle
was partially destroyed by Hugh O'Connor in 1272 and 1277. Despite new
fortifications the castle was again stormed by the local lord Donogh
O'Kelly in 1308. It was captured by government forces in 1569 and
granted to Sir Nicholas Malby, governor of Connaught . From 1645 to
1652 it was occupied by Confederate Catholics, and following its
capture by Cromwellian troops, it was dismantled.
Roscommon County Museum
John Harrison Memorial Hall,
The Square,
Roscommon.
Tel: 0903 25613
Web: Roscommon County Museum Website
The museum exhibits deal with the social history of the county.
Sligo
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballinafad Castle
6 miles north west of Boyle.
Web: Ballinafad Castle Website
Built in 1590 as a military post to defend pass through the Curlew
Mountains. In 1642 it was captured by rebels after a short siege.
Ballymote Castle
Ballymote village, Sligo . (In ruins)
Web: Ballymote Castle Website
Built after 1300 Ballymote was one of the strongest Norman
fortifications in Connaught . In 1317 the castle was captured by the
O'Connors and for two hundred years possession passed between them and
the MacDonaghs. In 1584 it was garrisoned by English troops, who
remained until the arrival of Red Hugh O'Donnell in 1598. It was at
Ballymote that O'Donnell assembled his forces for the march to Kinsale
in 1601. The castle was captured by Cromwellian forces in 1652 and
demolished by Williamite troops in 1690.
Sligo County Museum
Heritage Centre,
Stephen Street , Sligo .
Tel: 071 46798
This museum houses artefacts and exhibits of local archeaology, folk life and local history
Tipperary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Cahir Castle
Castle Street,
Cahir,
Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 7441011
Fax 052 42324
EMail: Email Cahir Castle
Web: Cahir Castle Website
A Norman fortification and stronghold of the Butler family, in 1599 the
earl of Essex took the castle following a three day siege and in 1650
it surrendered to Cromwell's forces. It was used as a military barracks
as recently as the Civil War.
Open 9.30am-5.00pm daily. Guided tours available.
Admission charge.
Nenagh Castle
Nenagh,
Co.Tipperary.
Web: Nenagh Castle Website
Built in 1200 by Theobald Walter, the founder of the Butler dynasty, the castle was captured by the O'Briens during the 1400s but was retaken by the Butlers in 1533. It was finally destroyed by the Williamites following its capture by General Ginkel in 1690.
South Tipperary Museum
Mick Delahunty Square
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary .
Tel: 052 34550
E-mail: Tipperary SR Museum
Web: South Tipperary Museum Website
Exhibits tell the story of Tipperary's land and its people from the
Stone Age to the present day, including the impact of war and conflict
on the county, with material on the locally recruited Royal Irish
Regiment, the War of Independence and the Civil War.
Open Times
Tue-Sat 10.00am-1.00pm, 2.00pm-5.00pm .
1848 Warhouse
Ballingarry, Co Tipperary
Tel: 087 9089972
Web: 1848 Warhouse Website
The house was the scene of the abortive Young Ireland rebellion of
1848. An exhibition explains the political background to the rebellion
and the story of the Young Irelanders.
Open Times
Summer Wed-Sun 2.30pm-5.30pm
Winter Sat & Sun only 2.00pm-4.00pm
Admission charge.
Tyrone
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Benburb Castle,
South of the village main street. (In Ruins).
Built between 1611 and 1614 the castle was captured in October 1641 by
Phelim O'Neill, who had all its inhabitants put to death. In 1646 Owen
Roe O'Neill gathered his forces here before he successfully confronted
the English at Benburb.
Grant Ancestral Home,
45 Dergenagh Road,
Ballygawley,
Dungannon,
Tyrone BT70 1TW
Tel: +44 (0) 28 85551733
Home of the great-grandfather of Ulysses S. Grant, commander of the
Union Armies during the American Civil War and twice president of the
United States. Exhibits tell the Grant family story.
Open March-May & October, Mon-Fri, 10.30am-4.30pm. June-September, Mon-Sat, 10.00am-6.30pm, Sun 2.00pm-6.00pm.
Admission charge.
Ulster American Folk Park
Castletown,
Omagh,
Co. Tyrone.
Tel: +44(0)28 82243292
Website: Ulster American Folk Park Website
The park tells the story of Ulster emigration to the Americas in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many Ulster emigrants were
centrally involved in the conflicts between Britain , France and Spain
in the new world, warfare with the Native Americans and the American
Revolution.
Open Times
April-September Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm
Sun 11.00am-5.00pm
October-March, Mon-Fri 10.30am-3.30pm.
Admission charge.
Ulster History Park
Cullion
Lislap
Omagh
Co. Tyrone.
Tel: +44(0)28 8164 8188.
This Omagh based park details the history of Ulster until the seventeenth Century.
Waterford
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Dungarvan Castle
Castle Street,
Dungarvan,
Co. Waterford .
Tel: 058 48144
Web: Dungarvan Castle Website
This twelfth century castle contains a restored eighteenth century barracks featuring exhibition and visitor facilities.
Open for guided tours.
Dungarvan Museum
Old Town Hall, St. Augustine Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford .
Tel: 058 45960
Website: www.dungarvanmuseum.org/
This museum holds important collections of material relating to local
involvement in the First and Second World Wars, the War of
Independence, the Civil War and the Emergency. There are also artefacts
dating from the 1798 Rebellion and the Boer War.
Open Times
Mon-Sat 10.00am-1.00pm, 2.00pm-4.45pm.
Admission free.
Lismore Castle
Built
in 1185 by Prince John the castle was owned for a period by Sir Walter
Raleigh. In 1645 it was sacked by Catholic rebel forces. Following his
defeat at the Battle of the Boyne King James II stayed here.
Waterford City Walls
Waterford City Tourist Services,
Waterford .
Tel: 051 873711
Web: Waterford City Walls Website
Fortifications dating from the Viking and Anglo Norman period, second
only to Derry's city walls with six towers still standing. Walking
tours available.
Westmeath
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Athlone Castle
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.
Tel: 090 6472107/6492912
Web: Athlone Castle Website
A fort stood here from 1129, eventually becoming a Norman castle. For
over a week during June 1691 18,000 Williamite troops under General
Ginkel fought to capture the town defended by 23,000 Jacobite soldiers
under St Ruth. The castle sustained what was probably the heaviest
bombardment in Irish history, with over 12,000 cannon balls and 600
bombs fired at its walls. The story of siege is illustrated by an
exhibition at the castle.
Open Times
Mayo-September daily and for groups by arrangement.
Columb Barracks and Military Museum,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath.
Tel: 044 48391
The new museum is located in the old guard room adjacent to the main gate. It is a most suitable location, as thousands of soldiers of differing race, creeds, uniforms and corps, have toiled in its hall and cells since it was built in 1815. This is also the very building in which the legendary Gen Sean McEoin, ‘the blacksmith of Ballinalee’ was incarcerated in March 1921. This followed his arrest at Mullingar train station by British forces.
Tyrrellspass Castle and Museum
Tyrrellspass,
Co. Westmeath.
Tel 044 23105
Web: Tyrrellspass Castle and Museum Website
The castle was built by the Tyrrells, Anglo-Norman lords and cousins of William the Congueror , c. 1411 .
Wexford
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Ballyhack Castle
Ballyhack village,
Wexford.
Tel: 051 389468
Web: Ballyhack Castle Website
Built in 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers the castle is a commanding position overlooking the Waterford estuary.
Visitors are advised to phone in advance.
Admission charge.
Duncannon Fort
Duncannon, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 389454
Web: Duncannon Fort Website
Built in 1588 in expectation of an attack by the Spanish Armada, there
was previously a Celtic fort and a Norman castle on the site.
Restoration in progress at time of publication.
Enniscorthy Castle & Co. Wexford Historical and Folk Museum
Enniscorthy,
Co. Wexford.
Tel; 054 35926.
The castle was built by the Anglo-Norman Prendergast family during the
thirteenth century and was owned at one stage by the Elizabethan poet,
Edmund Spenser. It was besieged by Cromwellian forces in 1649 and used
as a prison during the 1798 Rebellion. The museum contains collections
relating to the 1798 Rebellion and the 1916-23 period .
Open Times
March-September daily,
October-February Sundays only.
Admission charge.
Ferns Castle
Ferns,
Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9366395
Web: Ferns Castle Website
The building dates from the 1220s. It was captured by the O'Tooles in
1331 but recovered shortly afterwards and held thereafter by the
Bishopric of Ferns. In the 1370s it was again captured, this time by
the MacMurroughs, who lost it to Lord Grey in 1536. The castle was
demolished by Cromwellian soldiers in 1649.
National 1798 Visitor Centre
Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tel: 053 9237596/7
Email: National 1798 Visitor Centre
Website: National 1798 Visitor Centre
Interactive
displays explain the political and social background to the rebellion
of 1798. Audio-visual presentations bring alive the reality of the
bloody warfare that saw eleven major battles take place in Wexford in
just four weeks, with 20,000 fatalities. Artefacts and weapons from the
period are on permanent display in the museum. School groups are
particularly welcome.
Open Times
Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm,
Sundays 11.00am-5.00pm.
Admission charge.
Wicklow
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Dwyer McCallister Cottage
Derrynamuck,
Knockanarrigan .
Tel: 0404 45325/52
EMail: Email Dwyer McCallister Cottage
Web: Dwyer McCallister Cottage Website
In the aftermath of the defeat of the 1798 rebellion United Irishman
Michael Dwyer began a three year guerrilla campaign in the Wicklow
Mountains. Surrounded by British troops he fled this cottage in 1799;
today it features an exhibition on the period.
Open Times
Mid June-Mid September daily 1.00pm-6.00pm
Admission free.
Wicklow Gaol
Kilmantin Hill,
Wicklow town.
Tel: 0404 61599
Fax: 0404 61612
Web: Wicklow Gaol Website
Constructed in 1702, this building housed prisoners following the
rebellion of 1798. An exhibition covers the Gaol's long history,
including the impact of the rebellion on Irish society.
- Special Links
Research Guide by Section- Getting Started
Part 1Part 2
Part 3
- Museums & Heritage Sites
- List of Museums
- Military Museums
- List of Heritage Sites
- List of Battlefields & Castles
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
-