Shackleton Barracks was a former British Army base which closed in 2008. From it's conception in 1971, it served as the HQ of the 5th Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment until 1992. In 2003 it became the HQ of the 8th Infantry Brigade until it was disbanded and merged with another regiment. Latterly it was home to the 2nd Battalion, Princess of Wales Regiment until the base was closed.
Formerly known as RAF Ballykelly, served as the location for the Vulcan Bombers in Northern Ireland. The large hanger, complete with underfloor heating, was built and designed to house the Vulcans - with a nearby V Bomber Dispersal Point designed so that the planes could take off together with very short notice. At the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 it was reported that the bombers sat on the edge of the runway with their engines running ready to take off with a minutes notice.
We were't too sure what to expect from this site. Military installations in Northern Ireland are heavily fortified and sites are graced with exceptionally high fences. However, I was pleased we persevered with getting to see inside. I'd say this was probably only a 1/4 of the place. The main site is over 700 acres and we simply ran out of time. Hopefully we could have another go at some of the other parts.
Entrance to the Main Stores
Map of Northern Ireland
Main Store
Additional Stores
Offices
It was nice to see things still in situ and things not smashed.
Toilets
Radio Equipment Stores
Cinema Projector Room
Sauna
Every building had at least 1 bar
Store for Radioactive Material
Mouldy Corridor
Classroom
Map Room
Armoury
Continued..
Formerly known as RAF Ballykelly, served as the location for the Vulcan Bombers in Northern Ireland. The large hanger, complete with underfloor heating, was built and designed to house the Vulcans - with a nearby V Bomber Dispersal Point designed so that the planes could take off together with very short notice. At the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 it was reported that the bombers sat on the edge of the runway with their engines running ready to take off with a minutes notice.
We were't too sure what to expect from this site. Military installations in Northern Ireland are heavily fortified and sites are graced with exceptionally high fences. However, I was pleased we persevered with getting to see inside. I'd say this was probably only a 1/4 of the place. The main site is over 700 acres and we simply ran out of time. Hopefully we could have another go at some of the other parts.
Entrance to the Main Stores
Map of Northern Ireland
Main Store
Additional Stores
Offices
It was nice to see things still in situ and things not smashed.
Toilets
Radio Equipment Stores
Cinema Projector Room
Sauna
Every building had at least 1 bar
Store for Radioactive Material
Mouldy Corridor
Classroom
Map Room
Armoury
Continued..