An Cosantóir

The Trench Experience |9 Duncannon Fort Report & photos by Cpl Paul Millar C rossing a drawbridge over a massive dry moat must be one of the most impressive ways to get to a museum. The World at War Museum in Duncannon Fort, Co Wexford, which was opened on 19th April by Minister of State for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, has such an entrance. Its location and setting alone are worthy of a visit. Add in a top-class war display and you have a mustsee destination. Walking down the steps to the basement feels like descending into a bunker. Upon entry you are immediately immersed in an atmospheric set of panoramic displays. The first shows a German position in a French farmhouse at the start of the confusion that followed D-Day. The artefacts, many of which are original, are not displayed in a window but in an authentic setting, showing how they were used. The small details, like the casings on the floor, are what jump out. Everything is well thought out and gives the impression that you're walking through a WWII film set. The Trench Experience is an audio-visual treat. The reconstruction of the various aspects of the horror of the trenches is incredibly realistic and makes you think twice about sticking your head over the parapet. As you walk through the snaking trenches, with the sounds of a barrage in the distance and explosions illuminating the horizon, you realise what it must have been like for the thousands that went 'over the top'. There's also a main museum that covers warfare through the ages. The impressive Roman Room depicts both military and civilian life in Roman times and the journey continues through the ages right up to Soviet and NATO equipment of recent times. However, the museum hasn't stopped evolving yet and a second floor, dedicated to the Irish soldier, will be opened by June. Starting with the pikemen of 1798, this display will take you through the Irish War of Independence and Civil War to the present day domestic and overseas operations of Óglaigh na hÉireann, while also focusing on the Northern Ireland Troubles and the peace process. The museum is the work of Duncannon Fort manager Marion Coady, Capt Joe O'Toole (1 Bde MP Res Coy) and Capt Noel McCarthy (1 Bde Res HQ), who spent a lot of time sourcing, storing and displaying the collection. Several of the artefacts and weapons were kindly loaned by Sgt Walsh and Comdt Moore of the Curragh Museum. Since the Defence Forces left Duncannon Fort in 1993, it has been developed into a focal point for tourism in Wexford and is ideal for a day out. In addition to the museum the fort contains shops, galleries, a cafe and a photography studio, while the town itself has a great beach and numerous restaurants where you can reflect on your experiences of the museum. At the opening ceremony Minister Kehoe said, "If the walls of this fort could talk …their stories would be epic." The World at War Museum gives these stories a loud voice. To find out more about the museum contact Joe O'Toole at jjotoole@eircom.net, visit www.duncannonfort.com, or keep up to date on the fort's Facebook site. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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