New era dawns for Richmond Barracks

DUBLIN’S Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh officially opened Richmond Barracks at a special ceremony in Inchicore last week.

One of nine designated ‘Permanent Reminders’, Richmond Barracks has been redeveloped by Dublin City Council as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. It will open to the public in June 2016 as an interactive multimedia tourist attraction which will trace the story of the site from military barracks, to housing estate, to school.

In addition to the interactive exhibition, the site also houses a new tea room and landscaped garden area. Tours of Richmond Barracks will incorporate Goldenbridge Cemetery, which opens to the public for the first time.

The leaders of the Irish revolution, along with over 3,000 Irish rebels, were held in Richmond Barracks in the aftermath of the 1916 Rebellion before they were sentenced. The opening event took place in the gymnasium where the rebels were sorted and the leaders identified. 

Last week’s ceremony coincided with the centenary of the first court martial of the rebel leaders that took place in Richmond Barracks in the immediate aftermath of the Easter Rising. Those who were court martialled on Tuesday, May 2, 1916, included Padraig Pearse, Thomas McDonagh and Thomas Clarke.

Those in attendance at the event included relatives of the men and women held in Richmond Barracks in 1916, including Liam Cosgrave and family, the Plunkett family and the O’Hanrahan family. Sabina Coyne Higgins was guest of honour at the event which was also attended by relatives of the 77 women who were held in Richmond Barracks in 1916. 

The Army Number 1 Band, Anu Productions and Flames, not Flowers all performed at the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh said: “I want to congratulate Dublin City Council for developing this exhibition centre at Richmond Barracks, a building that played a central part in the history of 1916. It is an absolute pleasure to see this unique site reclaim its rightful place in local and national history. It will now become a wonderful resource for locals and tourists, keen to learn more about Richmond Barracks and its history.”

Eadaoin Ní Chleirigh, executive chair, Richmond Barracks, added: “This unique site has been part of the community in Inchicore for over 200 years and has a huge significance in Ireland’s national history. These buildings have now been restored to their former glory and from June will be open to the public. Visitors will be able to interact with the story of those who were here in the aftermath of 1916 as well as getting a glimpse into what life was like for tenants who later lived here when it was converted into social housing and renamed Keogh Square.

“The redevelopment of Richmond Barracks has been a labour of love for all those involved. I’d like to especially commend the involvement of Dublin City Council, Purcell Construction and conservation architects Blackwood Associates with Margaret Quinlan Architects.”

Visit www.richmondbarracks.ie for further details.