The Centre is a unique visitor attraction of international significance showing the awful reality of the Great War, and its effects on the community at home.Opened in 1994 as a tourist attraction and educational facility. The Centre examines Ireland's role in the First World War with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division. The Centre operates guided tours, during which the visitor is taken back through a 'timetunnel' to Ireland in 1910 and learns about the Home Rule Crisis which formed the backdrop to Ireland's involvement in the War. Visitors then enter a recruiting office, before going on to training. After travelling to France, the visitor enters a dug-out with information about life in the trenches. The highlight is a recreated front line trench, from which visitors can look out over 'No Mans Land' and view a dramatic audio-visual narrative of the Somme battle.The Centre also features a conventional museum area, with regularly changing exhibitions and a research facility, which is available to the public at a fee.
