New Barracks (in Ruins)

Level area, overlooking ground sloping down to Blackwater River (c. 400m to S) and Fermoy town; c. 200m W of another military barracks (15197). Fragmentary remains of military barracks built in 1809 (Lewis 1837 vol. 1, 622). Shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map as square 'ordnance ground' (L c. 225m) containing three long ranges of buildings arranged on three sides of an open area and various other smaller ranges around perimeter; W end of complex named 'Union Work House' (later relocated across river to SE) and the rest as 'West Barracks'. Roughly same ground plan shown on 1902 OS 6-inch map, where it is named 'New Barracks', with two additional buildings to S and two military cemeteries to NW (15200). All buildings now demolished apart from a 1-storey 'officer's mess' (long axis E-W) along S side: rusticated limestone construction; N elevation of 12 bays with central 2 bays rising to an open pediment; side elevations 2 bays deep; ornate brick-dressed round-headed windows and decorative cornice- building of mid/late-19th century appearance. Also surviving are parts of the high stone wall enclosing the complex, best preserved on E side where there is an entrance archway and ordnance stones; along inside face of E wall are marks left by buildings now removed. Much of the interior is now used as a rugby pitch. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009