The impetus for the museum's foundation was the death of local man and soldier Donie Cunnigham in a helicopter crash in 1995.

[2] The building dates from the 19th century,[3] and contains stained glass by German artist August Weckbecker.

[4][5] A large proportion of the museum's collections comprises material related to the Irish Defence Forces, with a number of uniforms displayed from the Defence Forces starting from the foundation of the state and ending with uniforms currently in use.

The exhibitions also detail the Irish involvement in United Nations peacekeeping, on mission to Congo, Lebanon and Somalia.

[2][3][7] Many Carlow people who went abroad as soldiers are featured in the display, such as Myles Keogh from Leighlinbridge.