Cathal Brugha Barracks

Detached seven-bay single-storey mess, built c.1870, having pedimented breakfront to front (south) elevation, lean-to extension to west elevation and single-storey with dormer attic return to rear (north) elevation. Pitched slate roof, hipped to return, having red brick chimneystacks and clay chimney pots, decorative terracotta ridge cresting, terracotta ridge tiles, timber bargeboards and finials, and cast-iron rainwater goods. Dormer window to west elevation of return. Red brick laid in English bond to walls, having red brick plinth course with moulded brick coping. Segmental-headed window openings having granite sills and replacement uPVC windows. Square-headed recess to front, having moulded brick cornice, segmental-headed door opening, bull-nosed piers and timber panelled 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. 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. Red brick laid in English bond and decorative terracotta ridge cresting appear in many of the barracks buildings dating from the later decades of the nineteenth century, creating a sense of coherence in the complex.