Old Barracks unlocking new potential

BUILT between 1870 and 1875, the Old Barracks in Cahersiveen is a heritage destination unlike any other and while its stunning architecture mightn’t have been all that popular during its practical days, thankfully it has stood the march of time and is now very much a popular tourist and local amenity.

The building is particularly ideal from a tourist perspective and its appearance – which lingers somewhere between an idyllic Disney castle and a scary gothic horror destination – only intensifies its visual and mythical appeal all the more. David Mills is the man who keeps charge at the Barracks these days and he has kindly agreed to unlock some of its secrets:

“We’re working with the festival committee this year and there is a few events taking place in the building. The barracks will host lec- tures on the Thursday and Saturday night of the festival; and just for the weekend of the festival we’re turning the lower floor of the barracks into how it would have looked back in 1916 and people can come in and experience the history and mayhem for themselves. Local volunteers are dressing up in the clothes of the time it will be nice for the kids, and anyone with a festival wristband gets in for free. We will also light the building up purple for the weekend of the festival,” said Dave.

“The barracks will also celebrate its twentieth anniversary this September as we re-opened as a visitor centre back in 1996. As you know, it’s a museum dedicated to Daniel O’Connell, but we also work with the local community as the barracks stages seasonal events at Christmas and Halloween where it becomes the biggest haunted house in Kerry!”