Cathal Brugha Barracks

Detached seven-bay single-storey barrack building, built c.1870, having canted bay-fronted extension to east elevation and return to rear (north) elevation. Now in use as store. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, red brick chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods on moulded brick brackets. Red brick laid in stretcher bond to walls, with plinth course having moulded red brick coping. Segmental-headed window openings to front (south) elevation, square-headed window openings to rear and to canted bay, having granite sills and six-over-six pane timber sash windows, some with cast-iron bars. Segmental-headed door opening to front, having timber battened door and granite step. Square-headed door opening to west elevation of return to rear, having timber battened door and granite step.

Portobello Barracks was constructed at the beginning of the nineteenth century as a cavalry barracks. It was taken over by Irish troops in 1922, and became the Headquarters of the National Army, under the leadership of Michael Collins. In 1952 it was renamed after Cathal Brugha, Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence, and Minister for Defence in the first Dáil. The building's style and materials are typical of late nineteenth century military architecture. Timber sash windows lend a patina of age, while moulded brick detailing is used to good effect to subtly enliven the façade.