Collins Barracks, Dublin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Collins Barracks, Dublin |
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| Dún Uí Choileáin, Baile Átha Cliath | |
| Dublin | |
The main barracks square of Collins Barracks
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 Collins Barracks, Dublin
Location within Dublin
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| Coordinates | 53°20′54″N 6°17′09″W / 53.34837°N 6.28581°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Operator |  Irish Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1702 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1702—1997 |
Collins Barracks (which in Irish is Dún Uí Choileáin) is a very old building in Dublin, Ireland. It used to be a place where soldiers lived, called a barracks. Today, it is home to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History.
This barracks was used by soldiers for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest continuously used military bases in the world. It was built in 1702. The main buildings have a fancy style called neo-classical. At first, it was just called The Barracks, then The Royal Barracks. In 1922, after Ireland became independent, its name was changed to "Collins Barracks". This was to honor Michael Collins, an important Irish leader who had passed away that year. Since 1997, the buildings have been carefully updated to become a museum.
Contents
A Long History: From Barracks to Museum
Built a Long Time Ago
Collins Barracks is one of the oldest public buildings in Dublin. It was built starting in 1701 by Thomas de Burgh. He was a famous architect who also designed the library at Trinity College Dublin.
The barracks has several large open areas, called squares. The biggest one, Clarke's Square, has cool arched walkways on its sides. The main buildings are made of granite. For a long time, it was known as the Barracks or Royal Barracks.
British Soldiers Stationed Here
For many years, British soldiers lived and trained at the Royal Barracks. In 1798, a famous Irish leader named Wolfe Tone was held prisoner here.
During the 1916 Easter Rising, British soldiers were sent from the Royal Barracks. They went to fight against Irish rebels who had taken over parts of Dublin.
Becoming an Irish Army Base
In December 1922, after the Irish War of Independence, the barracks was given to the new Irish Free State army. It was quickly renamed Collins Barracks. This honored Michael Collins, who was a key leader of the Free State.
The barracks was home to units of the Irish Army for 70 years. The last group of soldiers left in 1997.
Now a Museum!
After the soldiers left, the barracks was changed into a museum. Two sides of Clarke Square were connected with glass buildings. This work won an important award for saving old buildings.
Today, Collins Barracks is part of the National Museum of Ireland. It shows off "Decorative Arts and History." You can see many interesting things here. These include Irish coins, old silverware, furniture, traditional Irish life, and costumes. There are also exhibits about military history.
Seen on Screen
The barracks has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. You might have seen it in the film Michael Collins. The back of the barracks is often used to look like an old street. It has appeared in shows like Ripper Street, Penny Dreadful, and the Irish TV series Rebellion.
Images for kids
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The main barracks square of Collins Barracks
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Bronze relief and plaque commemorating General Richard Mulcahy at Collins Barracks.
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Entrance to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
See also
In Spanish: Collins Barracks para niños
