Collins Barracks-formally known as the Royal Barracks was constructed in 1706 is the oldest military barracks in Europe and the oldest continuously occupied in the world. Through the years, the Barracks has been witness to a large number of significant historical events, from 1798 rebellion to 1916, as well as significant numbers of soldiers of the barracks going to fight during WWI. National Museum or Ireland opened at Collins Barracks September 1997.

1916 saw Irish involvement in two major conflicts. On Easter Monday, Irish rebels, declaring a Republic, occupied several locations around Dublin. The rebellion lasted 6 days. On 1 July, the Battle of the Somme began. That day the 36th Ulster Division lost 2,000 men. Involved in both was the 10th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Before going to France, they trained in Royal (now Collins) Barracks and fought against the rebels; highlighting the complexity of Irish involvement in WW1.