Survey Data
Reg No
50080094
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Richmond Barracks
Original Use
Barracks
Historical Use
School
Date
1830 - 1870
Coordinates
312211, 233313
Date Recorded
18/06/2013
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached seven-bay single-storey former barracks, built c.1850, having attic accommodation to south end and single-storey flat-roofed extension to rear (east) elevation. Later in use as social housing, subsequently in use as school, currently disused. Pitched slate roof having decorative polychrome eaves course, some cast-iron rainwater goods. Yellow brick walls laid in English bond over chamfered granite and limestone, square-headed recessed panels to north elevation having chamfered red brick reveals, dentilated polychrome brick head detail and chamfered sills. Segmental-headed window openings to front (west) and south elevations, having yellow brick voussoirs and cut granite sills, set within square-headed recesses. Blocked window openings to front elevation, timber sash windows to south elevation, ground floor. Segmental-headed door opening to south elevation having yellow brick voussoirs, square-headed door opening to north elevation having concrete lintel. Located on street between two surviving barracks buildings, addressing the site of recently demolished Saint Michael’s Estate housing complex.
Appraisal
This building and the two adjacent barracks buildings were part of the Richmond Barracks complex dating from 1814, and form a focal point in the streetscape. The historic significance of the barracks is well-documented, all those arrested after the 1916 Rising were taken to Richmond Barracks for processing, including the leaders, who were held in the gymnasium prior to the court martial. Following the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the barracks were taken over by the Irish Army and renamed Kehoe Barracks. In 1924 the barracks were given over to Dublin Corporation and converted to provide social housing. Kehoe Square was demolished in 1969 to allow the construction of Saint Michael’s Estate housing which was demolished in 2013. The three surviving barracks buildings were in use as a Christian Brothers’ school until the late twentieth century, this central building being used as the school gymnasium. Although some windows have been lost, much original fabric is retained. The elaborate brick detailing is testament to the skill and craftsmanship of brickworkers in the nineteenth century. The composition and scale of the building create a pleasing formal facade, making a positive contribution to the area. Both this building and the adjacent former barracks to the south will be restored as a 1916 commemorative project.