Michael Collins House

22/08/2026

Today, August 22nd, we commemorate the anniversary of Michael Collins.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam dílis.

Michael Collins House Museum will be open free of charge all day today. Open 9am to 6pm. Last Entry 5pm.

Explore the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential historical figures through our unique exhibits and displays. All are welcome to visit, remember, and reflect on this significant chapter in Irish history.

21/08/2026

Join us at Michael Collins House Museum tomorrow, 22nd August for a special Open Day with Free Admission as we commemorate the anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.

Explore the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential historical figures through our unique exhibits and displays. All are welcome to visit, remember, and reflect on this significant chapter in Irish history.

03/08/2026

Michael Collins' beloved Kerry Blue Terrier, Danny Boy, takes centre stage at a dog show in December 1921!

At a time when Ireland's future hung in the balance, Collins remained devoted to the Kerry Blue Terrier, a breed he proudly promoted as a symbol of Irish identity.

Discover the story behind Collins' canine companions, including Danny Boy and the prize-winning Convict 224, in our FREE Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 Exhibition, presented in partnership with the

📍 Michael Collins House, Clonakilty
📅 Throughout August
🕘 Extended Opening Hours: 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday

Cork County Council

01/08/2026

Extended Summer Opening Hours at Michael Collins House!

This August, discover a fascinating and lesser-known side of Michael Collins at the Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 Exhibition, presented in partnership with the National Archives of Ireland.

Now in its fifth year, the exhibition explores Collins' passion for Kerry Blue Terriers, a breed he championed as a symbol of Irish identity. View rare diary entries from 1922, photographs, dog show programmes, and memorabilia connected to his famous dogs

The exhibition reveals how, even during the political turmoil leading up to the Civil War, Collins remained devoted to breeding and promoting Kerry Blue Terriers, offering a unique glimpse into the personal life of one of Ireland's most iconic figures.

✅ FREE TO ENTER
📅 The month of August
🕘 Extended Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday
📍 Michael Collins House, Clonakilty

County Council

31/07/2026

Extended Summer Opening Hours at Michael Collins House!



This August, discover a fascinating and lesser-known side of Michael Collins at the Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 Exhibition, presented in partnership with the National Archives of Ireland.



Now in its fifth year, the exhibition explores Collins' passion for Kerry Blue Terriers, a breed he championed as a symbol of Irish identity. View rare diary entries from 1922, photographs, dog show programmes, and memorabilia connected to his famous dogs



The exhibition reveals how, even during the political turmoil leading up to the Civil War, Collins remained devoted to breeding and promoting Kerry Blue Terriers, offering a unique glimpse into the personal life of one of Ireland's most iconic figures.



✅ FREE TO ENTER
📅 The month of August
🕘 Extended Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday
📍 Michael Collins House, Clonakilty

National Archives of Ireland Michael Collins House

01/07/2026

28/06/2026

In 2022, this remarkable document was generously donated to the Museum by an anonymous donor, adding to the rich tapestry of stories preserved in our collection.

While not currently on display, it forms part of the extensive archive of artefacts that help us deepen our understanding of Michael Collins, his era, and the people connected to his legacy.

This video is part of our ongoing series highlighting the many fascinating objects held in the Museum’s collection.

Stay tuned as we continue to uncover and share the hidden treasures that make the Michael Collins House Museum such a unique and important repository of Ireland’s past.

26/06/2026

For Your Council Day, we’re highlighting the important role Michael Collins House Museum plays in our local community, culture and economy.

Over the past decade, visitor numbers have grown from 7,500 to an average of 20,000 per year, cementing the museum’s role as a key heritage attraction in West Cork.

By preserving local history and educating visitors of all ages, Michael Collins House helps keep our shared heritage alive for future generations.

With an estimated value of over €2 million annually to the local economy, the museum supports local accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retail businesses and visitor services, while strengthening tourism across the wider region.

A proud cultural landmark delivering real benefits for Clonakilty and West Cork.

County Council

22/06/2026

Michael Collins House Museum Open Day – Your Council Day
Friday 26th June

Step inside history this Friday 26th June as Michael Collins House Museum opens its doors for Your Council Day.

Join us in Clonakilty and discover the life, legacy, and local story of Michael Collins through our engaging museum displays and exhibitions.

Whether you’re a local resident, a history enthusiast, or visiting West Cork for the day, this is a great opportunity to explore one of Clonakilty’s most important heritage attractions.

📍 Michael Collins House Museum, Clonakilty
📅 Friday 26th June
🎟️ Open Day as part of Your Council Day

Come along, learn something new, and celebrate the valuable services, heritage, and community spaces supported by Cork County Council.

21/06/2026

Happy Fathers Day! To mark the occasion here is a little bit about Michael Collins’ father.

Michael John Collins was born in Woodfield in 1815. It was thought that he was seventh son of a seventh son and part of the sixth generation of the Collins family who lived there. He worked most of his life as a tradesman and farmer living on his brother Paddy’s farm. He married a local woman, Mary Anne O’Brien in 1875 and the couple went on to have eight children together. Michael was the youngest and his sisters later stated that he was his father’s favourite and followed the old man everywhere on the farm.

It is quite likely that Michael John had a strong influence on his youngest son. He had received an education in a local hedge school and was said to have been well read and could speak a number of languages. As such, he encouraged his children into education as a means to better themselves. In his early years he was likely a Fenian like others in the Collins family with one nephew arrested for Fenian activity in Co. Louth. It was said that Collins’ father also journeyed once a week to Cork prison to visit his brothers who served time there after beating up a Land agent who was alleged to have trampled their crops. In his later years and by the time of Michael’s youth his father’s politics seem to have moderated. He read the more moderate nationalist Weekly Freeman and was involved in a local dispute where he seemed to break a boycott to assist a man who had previously assisted him. His reward was a severe beating at the hands of a relative.

Michael John Collins died in 1897, leaving his six-year-old son Michael without his idol and father. On his death bed he was remembered as having said of Michael; ‘Mind that child, he’ll be a great man yet and will do great things for Ireland.’

From that point onwards Collins found father figures in his brother Johnny, and later his brother-in-law, Patrick O’Driscoll. In this photo from 1901 we see an 11 year old Michael on the right glancing over at these two men as the family pose for a photo outside of their new home.