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County Carlow Military Museum: A Chronicle of Conflict

Explore County Carlow's military history from the 18th century to today, featuring Irish Defence Forces, WWI trench replica, and stories of local soldiers.

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The County Carlow Military Museum, housed in a former church, showcases the military history of County Carlow and its people, with exhibits ranging from the 18th century to modern day. Highlights include artifacts from the Irish Defence Forces, World War I trench replica, and stories of Carlow soldiers.

A brief summary to County Carlow Military Museum

  • Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's social media for updated opening hours, especially during the summer months, as they may vary.
  • Consider booking a guided tour for groups to get a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and the history behind them.
  • Note that the museum is located in a former church on the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Carlow town center, the County Carlow Military Museum is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head southeast on Barrack Street toward Potato Market, continue onto Dublin Street, turn left onto Athy Road/R417. The museum is located on the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital on the left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Bus Éireann operates two routes in Carlow Town. Take the CW1 or CW2 Carlow Town Bus. The fare is €2.00 cash or €1.50 with a Leap Card for adults. Get off near St. Dympna's Hospital and walk a short distance to the museum.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Carlow town. A taxi from the town center to the museum will cost approximately €10.70, with a base fare of €3.20 and €1.50 per kilometer. Taxi and Uber services are available.

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Discover more about County Carlow Military Museum

The County Carlow Military Museum, located in a late 19th-century church on the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the military history of County Carlow and its people. Founded in 1995, the museum's collection began as a memorial to local soldier Donie Cunnigham and has since expanded to include a wide range of exhibits related to Carlow's military past. The museum's exhibits span from the late 18th century to the present day, detailing Carlow's involvement in local, national, and international conflicts. A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to the Irish Defence Forces, with uniforms displayed from the foundation of the state to the present day. Visitors can also explore displays about Carlow's role in the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and Irish involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Congo, Lebanon, and Somalia. One of the museum's most striking features is a full-scale replica of a World War I trench, built to commemorate the over 500 men from County Carlow who were killed and 2,000 injured in the war. Other exhibits highlight Carlow's connections to various military corps, such as the Drums of the 8th Militia Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. The museum also features stories of Carlow natives who served in armies around the world, including Myles Keogh from Leighlinbridge. Displays also cover Carlovian and international involvement in World War II and medieval Carlow, including reproduction suits of armor and a scale model of Carlow Castle. The museum also contains artifacts and information about Carlow's participation in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, including replica uniforms, weapons, and an original Brown Bess musket.

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