About Richmond Barracks
Tucked just across from Kilmainham in Inchicore, Richmond Barracks stands as a poignant museum in the Kilmainham area, now reborn as the 1916 Commemoration Centre. This Georgian-era military barracks (1707) was where 1916 Rising leaders like Éamon de Valera and Éamonn Ceannt were court-martialled before facing Kilmainham Gaol's firing squads. Restored beautifully, it offers immersive exhibits on Irish history, migration, and local stories from Kilmainham-Inchicore.
What to Expect
Self-guided audio tours through restored rooms: the orderly room with interactive 1916 trials, emigration stories via touchscreens, and a model of old Inchicore. The courtyard evokes marching soldiers; upstairs galleries host community art. It's compact but powerful, hear voices of rebels, families, and immigrants. Free entry, with events like music nights adding vibrancy.
Insider Tips
Open most days, pop in anytime, no booking needed. Best mornings for peace. Walk 10 mins to Kilmainham Gaol for a full 1916 day. Nearby, The Vine Bar does cracking pub grub. Free parking, bus 13 from city centre drops nearby. Families love the kids' trails on local history. Check for talks by historians, pure gold for understanding Dublin's west side soul.
Richmond Barracks packs an emotional punch in a compact space, bridging personal stories to national history. A hidden gem among Kilmainham's best museums.