The Cavalry Barracks c. early 1800s

These barracks were established at the conclusion of the Jacobite war, when much of the town was in ruins following the great siege of 1691. Accommodation had to be found for the Williamite troops stationed in Athlone as prior to the building of the barracks the troops were billeted in the civilian population.

The site chosen was just north of the castle, adjoining the river and contained within the perimeter of the town's fortifications. It is the oldest military barracks in Europe and reputedly the only one in Europe called after a non-commissioned officer; the heroic Sergeant Custume, who defended the town bridge against the Williamites.

The Riding School c.1697

Much of the best architecture in the town is contained within its walls and spans three centuries starting with a group of buildings known as Pump House Square, which dates from the late seventeenth century. Close by is the Riding House of 1697, whose low pitched roof and massive chimney stacks can be viewed from the grounds of the Income Tax office off Pearse Street. It was the location for the sermon given by John Wesley during his last visit to Athlone in 1798.

The large building just behind Ss Peter & Paul's Church, was built in 1771 to house three groups of cavalry. In the early nineteenth century it became the officers' mess (it still serves that purpose today) when the new cavalry barracks, with its distinctive clock tower was built.

The main gate now stands on Grace Road (more commonly known as Accomodation Road). It formerly stood at the Market Square. Further down stands the impressive Watergate.

Some famous people associated with the barracks include the Duke of Wellington the who was stationed here towards the end of the eighteenth century; Captain Walter Scott, son of the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott who was here in the 1830s; Captain Howard, father of the famous Himalayan explorer Colonel Howard Bury, served here in the 1880s.

Colonel Lord Brudenell of the Fifteenth Hussars had a bay mare which saw service at the Battle of Waterloo and was brought to Athlone by him and left in the care of a Major in the barracks. When she died in 1834, she was buried with military honours in the Sick Horse Field, just to the right of the Watergate. Brudenell himself became famous (or infamous), when as the Earl of Cardigan he led the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava during the Crimean War.

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