A large crowd attended the Co. Kildare Archaeological Society Heritage Week event. The Curragh Military Museum was the first stop, where the history of the military on the Curragh is on display. Among the exhibits in the main hall were the Chester Beatty collection, relics of German internees during WW2 and the Union Jack taken down on the last day of the British Army in the Curragh. The “Sliabh na mBan” Rolls Royce armoured car that was with Michael Collins at the fatal ambush at Beal na mBlath gleamed in its new pristine condition following major refurbishment. In the same room was a Peerless armoured car of 1920s vintage, also restored. The outside of the museum had a collection of armoured vehicles which had once been in Irish Army service.
Following the visit to the museum the cavalcade moved out to the Curragh Plains where following a short walk we came to the WW1 trench complex. The layout of the trenches and their purpose was explained as was the daily routine for the soldiers in the trenches. In the midst of the system, it was pointed out, were two Bronze Age or Iron Age barrows.
Spectacular views in all directions also unfortunately revealed the approach of rain which was soon upon us in the form of a fine drizzle. Many in view of the fine weather in the early afternoon and the favourable forecast had not brought rain gear and so the tour of the trenches had to be somewhat curtailed, but not before many questions were taken from an obviously interested attendance.
Text: A.J. Mullowney
Photos: Déaglán de Paor