Richmond Barracks

Richmond Barracks is owned and conserved by Dublin City Council and run by Dublin City Council Culture Company.

History

Richmond Barracks is a former British Army barracks which was refurbished for cultural and community use by Dublin City Council in 2016.

It was originally built in 1810 in response to the threat of a French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. It was one of the British Army's largest barracks in Dublin at the time.

In the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising, the barracks was used to imprison over 3,000 suspected rebels, including its leaders. Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett were all court-martialled in Richmond Barracks before being brought to Kilmainham Gaol for execution.

The site is also home to Goldenbridge Cemetery – Ireland’s first Victorian garden cemetery, which was founded by Daniel O’Connell in 1828 as a burial place for people of all religions.

In 1922, when the site was turned over to the newly established Irish Free State, it became a keystone of working class Dublin, hosting a housing estate and a Christian Brothers’ School.

Refurbishment and Reopening

In 2016, major refurbishment works were completed as part of a Dublin City Council Community Partnership to restore and commemorate the heritage of the building.

Today, visitors can enjoy walking tours, cultural activities and community events, including seasonal fairs, exhibitions, workshops, talks and book clubs.

The building is home to the Culture Connects programme, which invites the people of Dublin to try new things, share ideas and connect through culture and conversation.

Venue Hire

Richmond Barracks’ rich historical heritage, beautiful gardens and distinct design makes it an ideal venue for meetings and events.

It has six spaces available for hire, including a large hall, an outdoor tent for performances, a kitchen space and meeting rooms.

These spaces are also available for use by creatives for the likes of exhibitions, rehearsals, filming and project development. Visit the website to find out more.