The Story of Seán Connolly Barracks

13th Century - The O'Farrell Longphort 

Longfort gets its name from a type of stronghold called a longphort, which was a feature in the medieval period. The O'Farrell clan constructed a longphort on the north bank of the Camlin River, possibly in the second half of the thirteenth century. This defensive stronghold marked the beginning of Longford's urban story. A stone castle was later built on part of this site, in the area close to the entrance to the barracks. 

1620 – Plantation and the Aungier Era

During the Plantation of Longford, the town was granted to Francis Aungier. The Aungier family refurbished the castle into a manor house and developed Longford as a market town. At this time, the commercial heart of Longford lay north of the Camlin, with a market house and town square close to the castle. 

1774 - Sale of Longford Castle

The Aungier male line ended in 1705, and in 1740, the estate passed to the Pakenham family. With the landlord living elsewhere, the castle ceased to be a family seat. In 1774, the Pakenhams sold the castle and market house to the Commissioners and Overseers of Barracks, paving the way for the cavalry barracks. Around 1800, the first county infirmary, built in 1771, was incorporated into the barracks as the garrison hospital. Several key features of Longford's old town were absorbed into the barracks, making the site central to the town's history. 

1815 - Construction of the Main Building

The most impressive building on the site dates from about 1815 and marked a milestone in the development of the cavalry barracks. Its classical design and scale reflected Longford's strategic importance as a military base. The building remains one of the oldest surviving structures in Longford Town. 

19th Century - Town Expansion 

The southern part of Longford expanded in response to the development of the northern area, as outlined. The arrival of the Royal Canal in 1830 led to the building of the Market Square at the end of Ballymahon Street, and the opening of the railway in 1855 contributed to the commercial development of the southern area. 

1922 - Transition to Irish Control 

Following the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the barracks was handed over to the Irish Free State Army. It was renamed Seán Connolly Barracks in honour of Brigadier Seán Connolly, who died of wounds received in action during the War of Independence. 

20th Century - Military Role 

From 1972 to 2009, the barracks housed the 4th Cavalry Squadron, playing a key role during the Troubles with border patrols and specialist training. The site became a symbol of service and sacrifice, with ceremonial events and strong community ties. 

2009 - Closure and Legacy 

The barracks closed in January 2009 and was purchased by Longford County Council in 2012. Today, it is a protected structure of architectural, historical, and social significance. 

Future - A Cultural Hub

Plans to convert the main building into a cultural centre and museum will renenerate the very place where Longford town first developed. This transformation will provide the ideal setting to tell the town's story as part of a rich visitor experience.