Marlborough Barracks (McKee Barracks)

Overview

Marlborough Barracks, better known today as McKee Barracks, sits on Blackhorse Avenue in Dublin 7. The complex was erected between 1888 and 1892 as a purpose‑built cavalry depot for the British Army, complete with extensive stables, a training school for horses and a striking single‑arch stone railway bridge that carried Marlborough Road over the Dublin‑Belfast line. After the hand‑over to the Irish Free State in December 1922, the barracks were renamed in 1926 to honour Dick McKee, a celebrated IRA officer from Finglas. The site remains in use by the Irish Defence Forces, making it a living piece of military heritage rather than a conventional museum.

History

The construction of the barracks began in 1888 on what was then a largely open field on Blackhorse Avenue. Over four years, the British military created a self‑contained cavalry hub capable of accommodating approximately 900 horses and the soldiers who tended them. The design reflected the needs of a mounted force: large stables, a remount school, and a modern training school for horses that was praised in contemporary reports as “splendid”.

During the turbulent years of the Irish War of Independence, the barracks continued to serve British units, but the political landscape shifted dramatically in 1922. On 17 December 1922, a formal transfer ceremony took place at the gate. Irish officers, led by Comdt B MacMahon and Brig O’Donnell, received the keys from Lieutenant‑Colonel Pakenham of the 2nd Battalion Border Regiment. The hand‑over was marked by a brief but stirring musical display – the Irish band played “A Soldier’s Song” as the British troops marched out, followed by “Eileen Óg” to celebrate the new Irish garrison.

The British garrison, which had been reduced to about 300 men, left behind a facility that could accommodate 500 troops, extensive stables, and the iconic stone bridge. In 1926, the barracks were renamed McKee Barracks to honour Richard “Dick” McKee (1893‑1920), a key figure in the Irish Republican Army who fought in the 1916 Rising and later became a senior commander in Dublin.

What to See & Do

While the interior of McKee Barracks is a secure military area and not open to the public, the exterior offers several points of interest for history enthusiasts:

• The single‑arch stone railway bridge (c. 1890) – a segmental arch with rusticated voussoirs, pier buttresses and a cut‑stone string course. Its robust construction showcases the skill of Victorian stonemasons and provides a visual link between the barracks forecourt and the surrounding streetscape.
• The historic gatehouse and parade ground – visible from Marlborough Road, these structures retain the austere, functional aesthetic of late‑19th‑century military architecture.
• Stables and training school remnants – although many have been repurposed, the layout of the former horse facilities can still be discerned from the site’s plan, offering a glimpse into the logistical scale of a cavalry depot.
• Commemorative plaques – a plaque near the entrance commemorates the 1922 hand‑over and another honours Dick McKee, providing context for visitors interested in Ireland’s revolutionary period.

For those keen to delve deeper, the 5th Infantry Battalion Association maintains an office on‑site (C/O NCO’s Mess, McKee Barracks, Blackhorse Ave). They can arrange guided walks of the perimeter and provide archival material on the barracks’ role in both British and Irish military history.

Practical Information

McKee Barracks remains an active Defence Forces installation, so access is limited to the public areas surrounding the perimeter. Visitors can view the bridge, gatehouse and parade ground from the public road without needing a ticket. Photography of the exterior is permitted, but any attempt to enter the secured compound will be refused.

Contact for enquiries – the 5th Infantry Battalion Association can be reached via email at info@5thbattalionassociation.com. They can advise on the best times to view the site and provide information on any public events that may be hosted on the grounds.

Getting there – the barracks are a short walk from Dublin Bus routes 46A, 123 and 151, which stop on Blackhorse Avenue. The nearest Luas stop is Broom Bridge (Red Line), about 1 km away. Parking is limited to the surrounding streets and is subject to local residential restrictions.

Accessibility – the public viewing area around the bridge and gate is on level ground and can be accessed via the main road. However, the interior facilities are not open to the public, so full accessibility cannot be guaranteed.

Visiting Tips

• Best time to visit: Mid‑morning light highlights the stone bridge’s details and reduces traffic on the surrounding streets.
• Photography: Tripods are allowed for exterior shots, but avoid obstructing pedestrian flow.
• Respect the site: As an active military base, remain on public footpaths and observe any posted signage.

Nearby attractions

After admiring the historic architecture, visitors can continue to explore Dublin’s north‑side heritage sites such as Richmond Barracks, Arbour Hill Prison Museum, and the National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks (a short tram ride away).

Marlborough Barracks offers a rare window into Dublin’s military past, from its Victorian cavalry facilities to the dramatic 1922 hand‑over that symbolised the birth of the Irish Free State. Even without interior access, the site’s imposing stone bridge and well‑preserved gatehouse make it a worthwhile stop for anyone tracing the island’s complex armed‑heritage narrative.