Old photographs capture a part of the Curragh which is sadly long gone

Over the years, the military has become a vital part of the Curragh, and the Curragh has become a vital part of the military.

ABOVE: British Gymnastic Display Team on the roof of the old Gymnasium in the Curragh, 1897

The history of the Curragh spans from pre-historic times and stretches across centuries through famine, disease outbreaks, world wars - right into the present day.

As far back as the Williamite War in 1688, the Curragh served as a mustering and camping ground for Jacobite forces during the war between King James and King William.

Contingents from Ireland, France, Scotland, Switzerland and Flanders were among those stationed in Co Kildare during the course of the conflict.

Over the decades of the 20th Century, the Curragh Camp grew into its own town with churches, hospitals, libraries, cinemas, recreation centres, schools, a swimming pool, shops and bakeries.

The Curragh Military Museum recently shared a photo of the nursing staff of the Curragh Military Hospital pictured in front of the hospital during The Emergency.

The Museum said it was posting the image on social media as a poignant tribute and a thank you to all front line staff working in the battle against the Covid-19 virus.

For many years inhabitants of the Curragh Camp could rightly claim that life was more comfortable there than most Irish towns because of its range of amenities.

For example the Curragh Cinema was a source of entertainment to the Curragh community for almost 60 years but was destroyed by fire in the 1980s.

One of the best ways to appreciate the unique local history of the area is a visit to the Curragh Military Museum which explores everything from the archaeology of the Curragh, to the British military presence up to 1922 and the whole way up to the present day Defence Forces.

Among the exhibits are Uilleann Pipes played for the last time on St. Patrick's Day 1916 by Easter Rising signatory Éamonn Ceannt.

Also housed in the museum is the Sliabh na mBan vehicle, which formed part of the General Michael Collins convoy which was ambushed on the 22nd of August 1922, leading to his death.

It is probably one of the most iconic pieces of Irish history, and the museum is proud to display it, as only two vehicles of its type remain in existence.

Also in the Museum is The Chester Beatty weapons collection which was donated to the Defence Forces by Sir Chester Beatty himself.

It has pride of place in the museum because it contains different types of weapons from all over the world.
Also in the Museum is a 1960s-era radio equipment which troops on overseas duty in Africa used to keep in touch with home.

In 1960 communication to and within the Congo was difficult. The main means of communication was the HF (High Frequency) Radio.

But finally, Radio Óglaigh na hÉireann gave the soldiers in the Congo a link to home.

The Museum plans to expand its World War One exhibition when it reopens after the Covid-19 health emergency.

The aim is to eventually expand this exhibition to include more local history and military history from the Curragh.

The Museum also contains contemporary exhibits to bring us right into the modern day — an army ration pack containing breakfast, dinner and a variety of snacks such as biscuits, dried fruit, noodles, tea and coffee — 3,600 calories which means enough to last a day and a half.

Modern day living continues in the Curragh amid all the unique history of the area.