Old Barracks Heritage Centre

Old Barracks Heritage Centre

Old Barracks Heritage Centre is a unique building in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. This unusual building design was constructed between 1870 and 1875 and served as the Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks. Today it serves as a Heritage Centre for the Iveragh Peninsula. It is home to various exhibitions that relate to the local area, including The Great Southern and Western Railway, The Life and Times of Daniel O’Connell, The Fenin Rising of 1867, The 1916 Rising and Monsignor Hugh O’ Flaherty (The Scarlet Pimpernel). One local story suggested that the plans for this unusual building were mixed up with plans for a building in India. Toilets are available and there is also a lift to all floors. Cahersiveen means ‘Stone Fort of Little Sive or Siveen’. Siveen’s stone fort is in ruins unfortunately but if you want a look it is just at the back of the building in Town Park by the side of the river.

Review

A visit to Ireland isn’t just about the craic and getting drunk on Whisky and Guinness, there is also a serious side to this beautiful and sometimes innocent country and this can be found within all of its historical sites, take the Old Barracks in County Kerry for example. Built in the mid 1870’s this foreboding building has wore many a hat in its time, but the biggest and main job was to create law and order within the local community and boy did it do that. This story, amongst many others like it, are exactly what you’ll find here and along with a great little tearoom, I’m sure undoubtedly that you’ll really enjoy your visit. The staff are really friendly and are on hand to answer any question and the entrance fee is very much nominal and I don’t think a trip to County Kerry would be complete without a visit here.