The Barracks Heritage Centre
Daniel O'Connell Heritage Trail Stop 1
The Heritage Centre came about following the defeat of the Fenians in 1867. The English government was anxious about the safety of the Valentia Atlantic cable station. A new constabulary barracks was built on the banks of the River Fertha and it was occupied by the R.I.C. in 1877. It continued as a barracks until the R.I.C. were disbanded in 1922. During the civil war the building was burnt down by the republican forces and it remained derelict for the next 70 years, a grim reminder of the unhappy past times. The building was restored to its present condition by ACARD in 1992 as a Heritage Centre for the town and surrounding area. The Heritage Centre was officially opened in September 1996.
Two floors of the centre are devoted to the career of Daniel O'Connell especially his fight for Catholic Emancipation and repeal of the Union. O'Connell's career greatly influenced the public, social and economic issues of the day. These included various aspects of public and social reform. He took a keen interest in world affairs such as the abolition of slavery and full civil rights for all citizens.
Leaving the Heritage Centre the bridge across the river Fertha comes into view. In 1840 O'Connell subscribed £4000 towards its construction and it was named after local Doctor Barry. It was a timber structure and it was replaced in 1930
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Erected by ACARD Ltd, The Old Barracks, Wild Atlantic Way, Kerry County Council, and Dept of Social Protection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Forts and Castles • Man-Made Features • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1996.
Location. 51° 56.961′ N, 10° 13.454′ W. Marker is in Cahersiveen, Munster, in County Kerry. Marker is on Bridge Street, 0.3 kilometers north of Church Street/Ring of Kerry (National Route N70), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cahersiveen, Munster V23 VR62, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Railway and O'Connell (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Railway (about 210 meters away); Atlantic College of Wireless & Cable Telegraphy (about 210 meters away); Presentation Convent (about 210 meters away); War Memorial (about 210 meters away); Ringforts (about 240 meters away); Sive Fort (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); O'Connell Memorial Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cahersiveen.
Also see . . . Royal Irish Constabulary. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 9, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 9, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
