The WWI Trench Experience at Cavan County Museum, the largest replica military trench in Ireland, reopened after a €480,000 renovation.
Spanning 350 metres, the installation replicates Royal Irish Fusiliers’ trenches from the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Upgrades include a new retaining wall, improved drainage, additional trench length, a viewing platform, and a separate exhibition exit.
Accessibility enhancements feature widened trenches for mobility aids, a ramped viewing platform, and Perspex panels for full visibility. The project, supported by Cavan County Council, aims to preserve the memory of 210,000 Irish soldiers, including 752 from Cavan, who fought for England in the first world war.
John Paul Feeley shared: “I want to congratulate the Museum team and our own council engineers for their efforts in not only renovating but significantly improving this wonderful installation, one of the jewels in the crown of our tourist offering. Over 210,000 Irish men fought in the Great War, and 49,000 of those—including 752 Cavan men—were killed. They were victims of imperialism. Those who died or returned injured were part of our complex history. This immersive experience allows visitors young and old to engage with that history in an innovative and exciting way. These important works will help preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and will continue to attract visitors to Cavan for many years to come.”
Eoin Doyle shared: “In the little over ten years since this installation opened, it has become a firm favourite among locals, tourists, and indeed teachers and students across the country, for whom the trenches provide a soberingly visceral window into the conditions endured by Irish soldiers at the time. When it became clear that the elements had taken a toll on the installation, both management and the elected members were united in their determination to preserve and further develop this award-winning attraction for years to come, and it’s clear from the quality of the finished product, that the investment has been most worthwhile.”
Lynda McGavigan shared: “Cavan hosts one of top local museums in the country, and with this newly improved flagship installation now open to the public, staffed by a dynamic, passionate, and committed team, locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a top-class museum experience at Cavan County Museum.”
