County Westmeath: Custume Barracks

Victoria Barracks (later Custume) in Athlone, County Westmeath, was handed over on 28th February 1922. Commandant General Seán MacEoin, a veteran of the War of Independence and later Chief of Staff, took over the barracks and Athlone Castle from Colonel Hare of the British Brigade Staff, witnessed by a crowd of about 10,000 people who had turned out to view the historic occasion.

The site is of great historical significance. The castle dates from 1210 and stands at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon. In 1690 and 1691, as a Jacobite stronghold, it came under attack during the Sieges of Athlone by the forces of William of Orange. The decision to build the barracks and establish a permanent garrison came in 1698, but there had been a temporary one there from 1691. It was named Victoria barracks in 1837 and in 1922 renamed in honour of Sergeant Custume, for his heroic defence of the bridge against the Williamites in 1690.

Today, the major units based at Custume Barracks include the 6th Infantry Battalion and 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment, as well as the Air Corp’s Emergency Air Ambulance Service.