Barracks in Curriersbog

Detached five-bay single-storey former barracks hut, built c. 1925, formerly in the Curragh Camp and relocated to the Abbeyleix Road c. 1970. Pitched corrugated-iron roof, two short chimney stacks, uPVC gutter and cast-iron downpipe. Sheeted corrugated-iron walls with square-headed openings and timber sills, with timber six pane fixed windows and replacement door with small rectangular overlight. Set back from the road fronted by a low rendered wall with block piers framing a matching decorative wrought-iron pedestrian gate and vehicular gate. Flat roof, corrugated-iron shed to rear.

Corrugated-iron was invented in the 1820s. Its light weight made it particularly popular as a cladding and roofing material for buildings that were temporary or would be regularly moved. It was often used for churches and as in this case for military barracks. Corrugated-iron buildings are becoming increasingly rare in Ireland making its survival significant. Its significance is enhanced by the retention of its original materials including its fixed timber multi-pane windows.