Fermoy Barracks Explained

Fermoy Barracks
Native Name:Dún Mainistir Fhear Maí
Type:Barracks
Map Type:Ireland
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Ireland
Location:Fermoy, County Cork
Operator: Irish Army
Built:1801-1806
Used:1806-1922
Built For:War Office

Fermoy Barracks (Irish: Dún Mainistir Fhear Maí) was a military installation in Fermoy, County Cork.

History

The East Barracks were designed and built by Abraham Hargrave on a site provided by John Anderson between 1801 and 1806.[1] In June 1808 Sir Arthur Wellesley used the barracks as an assembly point from where 9,000 troops would depart for the Cove of Cork and then sail for Portugal to take part in the Peninsular War.[2]

The West Barracks and military hospital were added to the complex in 1809.[2] The barracks were burnt to the ground by a group of Irish Republican Army irregulars after the British Army left in 1922.[3] The site subsequently became known as "the showgrounds" and is now occupied by Fermoy Rugby Club.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hargrave, Abraham Addison - Works . Irish Architectural Archive . Dictionary of Irish Architects . 17 August 2016.
  2. Web site: Fermoy Barracks - First Phase. 10 March 2019.
  3. Web site: Fermoy - A Garrison Town. 10 March 2019.
  4. Web site: Cork club starting to find its feet once again. 8 September 2017. The Independent. 10 March 2019.