Cathal Brugha Barracks

Two pairs of semi-detached two- and three-bay two-storey houses, built c.1810, having central returns and extensions to rear (south) elevation, with single-storey extension to west elevation of west block. Pitched slate roofs having terracotta ridge cresting, cast-iron rainwater goods, granite coping and moulded red brick chimneystacks. Roughcast rendered walls, some exposed coursed rubble limestone, with granite plinth courses. Red brick laid in English bond to rear extensions. Square-headed window openings having granite sills and one-over-one pane and six-over-six pane timber sash windows, some with security bars. Square-headed door openings having cut granite surrounds, timber battened doors, overlights, granite steps, and cast-iron bootscrapes. Square-headed door openings to rear, having timber battened doors.

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. It was renamed Cathal Brugha Barracks in 1952, after the Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence, and Ceann Comhairle of the first Dáil in 1919. These houses appear to date from the original phase of construction, with red brick extensions added towards the end of the nineteenth century. Probably built as accommodation for officers, their form and scale contrasts with the substantial ranges which dominate the complex. These buildings retain much of historic fabric which contributes to their traditional character. Cut granite doorcases attest to the careful design and skilled stonemasonry involved in the construction, and provide textural contrast with the roughcast render walls.