Officers Mess

Although the Western Command was restored in 1934 to cater for the new Volunteer force, regular strengths remained depleted until the Emergency during World War II.

The mobilisation of reserves and a national recruiting campaign rapidly expanded the Defence Forces.

All existing space in Custume Barracks was soon utilised,and twenty-four wooden huts were erected to provide additional accommodation.

The barracks prison was the main detention centre for apprehended German spies,during the second world war,the most famous was Hermann Görtz (Goertz in English)

The army again contracted in 1945.

Its role for the next decade was confined to ceremonial and welfare duties, such as rescuing victims of the great Shannon floods of 1954.

Irish membership of the United Nations gave the Defence Forces the opportunity to contribute a battalion to the international force sent to establish order in the former Belgian Congo. The Western Command provided 150 personnel to the original force. Since then virtually all personnel have served on UN missions overseas, many on numerous tours.

In recent years the Western Command has evolved into the 4th Western Brigade. Athlone is the location of the brigade headquarters and is also home to the 6th Infantry Battalion and various specialist units. Post-war additions to the barrack buildings include a new magazine, gymnasium, accommodation block and dining hall.

Athlone is considered an Irish military town. The barracks is large and prominently located, with an impressive and historic array of buildings. Men and women in uniform are a common sight. Locally the army is respected, popular and regarded as an attractive career choice. Soldiers, serving and retired, are prominent in every sector of community life to which they make an invaluable contribution.