Abercorn Barracks

Abercorn Barracks is a military installation in Ballykinler, County Down, built across distinct zones for accommodation, training, and administrative functions. The grounds occupied a significant space and functioned as a working military facility for over a century before its decommissioning.

The facility was founded in 1901 during the Boer War and renamed in 1949 to commemorate a significant figure in Northern Ireland's history. It later served multiple military purposes across different eras before closure in 2018.

The barracks functioned as a prison camp where inmates created art and maintained social bonds that reflected their daily life. These artistic expressions offer insights into how people coped with confinement.

The site is not openly accessible to the public as it remains a decommissioned military installation. Visitors interested in the location should check local conditions and any public access guidelines before planning a visit.

During World War II, the installation simultaneously served as a training ground for American soldiers and a detention facility for captured enemy combatants. This dual purpose made it a site of stark contrasts during wartime.

Inception: 1901

GPS coordinates: 54.25722,-5.80028

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02