Military Museum
Columb Barracks Mullingar

Reopened in 2009, the museum is located in the old guard room adjacent to the main gate. It has been restored in a sympathetic manner and is an appropriate location, as thousands of soldiers of differing race, creeds, uniforms and corps, have toiled in its hall and cells since it was built in 1815.

This is also the building in which the legendary Gen Sean McEoin, ‘the blacksmith of Ballinalee’ was incarcerated in March 1921. This followed his arrest at Mullingar train station by British forces.  As he was being escorted to the barracks he tried to escape but was shot and wounded before being locked up in the main cell of the guard room.  He remained there for a number of days under the care of a Dr Karney, before being transferred to Dublin for trial. It is not difficult to imagine the many less celebrated souls that have also been incarcerated in the same cells over the years.

This museum honours the great tradition of soldiering that has always existed in the garrison town of Mullingar. It acknowledges the occupation of the post by Irish forces in 1922, as well as the service of the preceding British soldiers, who garrisoned this barracks since 1815, many of them Irish and natives the town.

This focus of the museum is distinctly local, celebrating the many soldiers of Co Westmeath. In particular it recognises the long standing and unique integration of the military into everyday life in Mullingar.

In addition to a fine display of weapons and swords, the museum also has a 1930 officers dress uniform and cape, which belonged to Col Joseph Dunne, a member of the Irish military mission to the United States in 1926. Another officer’s uniform, this one British from circa 1920, is thought to have belonged to Lt Col J.O.E. Vandeleur, who was later played by Michael Caine in the film ‘A Bridge too Far’, is also on display.

A Brandt 120mm Heavy Mortar which saw active service in the Congo supporting operations in Katanga in late 1962 and early 1963, takes pride of place.  Many historic photographs, some dating back to the 1870s, adorn the walls of the museum.

The museum is open for viewing, however for security and other reasons viewing is restricted to by-appointment only basis.

Sgt Eric Craig is the museum curator who will make every effort to facilitate all requests. He can be contacted at 086-8409400.

Breakdown of gallery pics

  1. 19th century scales for weighing recruits.
  2. A general view of the Museum interior.
  3. A display of old artillery fire control equipment.
  4. Memorabilia from the War of Independence 1919-21
  5. Obsolete artillery shells on display.
  6. A display of obsolete hand guns.
  7. Mementoes of British Regiments that were stationed at Mullingar.
  8. A display of Congo memorabilia.
  9. A variety of head dress apparel worn at home and abroad by personnel from Columb Barracks.
  10. A French 120 mm Brandt Heavy Mortar that was used in action in the Congo, supporting U.N. operations in 1962-3.
  11. An 18 pounder Field Artillery Gun used in World War 1. This gun was in Irish service until the 1960s.

View Museum Gallery