Barracks

The National Monuments Service's description

Level area, overlooking ground sloping down to Blackwater River (c. 400m to S) and Fermoy town; c. 200m E of another military barracks (15196). Fragmentary remains of military barracks built in 1806 (Lewis 1837 vol. 1, 622). Shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map as rectangular 'ordnance ground' (c. 200m N-S; c. 250m E-W) containing 'East Barracks' which consisted of three long ranges of buildings arranged on three sides of an open area, the other side occupied by a small 'guard house', and immediately beyond N range an arrangement of buildings and open ground named 'Cavalry Barracks' and 'Forage Yard'; with a square graveyard (14553) indicated just outside NE corner. All of the internal buildings have been demolished, but the high stone wall which enclosed the complex is largely intact. Inside face of wall shows marks of former buildings on W side. There are two entrances on the W side: near S end is cut-stone archway defended by numerous gun loops and very similar to that on west barracks opposite (15196); near N end is piered gateway (now blocked) which has a stone plaque dedicated to 'Billy' (a deer that was mascot of the Barracks). Interior now contains a pitch and putt course and playing fields and clubhouse of Fermoy GAA club. Site of military hospital c. 200m to NNW (14782).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009