Michael Collins Tour

Sarsfield70

Tour guides field trip/day out

Had the pleasure of bringing a group of work colleagues here today, and while we had a variety of knowledge levels on the Michael Collins story, Tims delivery fully engaged both the casually interested and the diehard history fans.

A warm welcome was followed by a fascinating presentation at the centre which covered both national and local history, interspersed with personal stories and folklore which kept us enthralled, and the personal connection with many of the historical figures involved in the stories brought authenticity to the tales. Complimenting this were the stories behind the on site displays and a well delivered slide show presentation centred on the Collins story and his untimely civil war demise.

We arranged for a site visit to the Collins family home and birthplace, and Tim accompanied us, giving us a very nice on site talk there.

Best wishes and all the best for the 2022 season.

Barry H

Fantastic

I met Tim Crowley who owns and runs the centre a few years back when he took me on a 4 hour personal driving tour of all things relevant to Michael Collins. It was amazing. I didn't visit his centre at this time but I vowed to come back someday to do it. I'm truly glad I did. I already knew of Tim's incredible knowledge and passion for Michael Collins but his collection of artefacts and memorabilia in his centre are remarkable. His presentation of the story of Michael Collins through his slide show is second to none. Tim truly is a wealth of information. The replica vehicles of Collins convoy when he was ambushed on display are world class. If you are in anyway interested in Michael Collins or history in general you must visit this Centre. You will be enthralled, educated and enlightened like never before by a true historian, a gentleman and a lover of Michael Collins, Clonakilty, Cork and Ireland.

Paula O

One visit isn't enough!

Spent 3 hours here with my 7 and 9 year old boys.

The presenter, Tim was more of a ‘storyteller' than a ‘guide'. My 2 boys were captivated! They loved the displays of artefacts...Michael Collins' briefcase and travel mirror, replica old guns and the life-sized replica vehicles of Michael Collins convoy.

I am a history enthusiast delighted to visit a site with a real sense and feeling for history. But even if you are just looking for something to do on your covid enforced staycation you will leave here bitten by the history bug!!

David N

OAuthentic and informative

The pure authenticity and knowledge from the organisers of this special attraction is staggering. This is a family run museum, where the family have actual links to Michael Collins and live in the area where so many of the stories have originated from. The replica of the Béal Na Blath scene is a must see and the presentation on Irish history during Michael Collins life is honed to perfection. Highly recommended.

Bryanb82

However Great the myth of Michael Collins, it will never live up to the Man

The myth of Michael Collins could never live up to the reality of the man. I've studied Michael Collins for many years, and in this beautiful, quaint, idealistic spot, just southwest of Timoleague I gained some incredible insights into the Man, not the myth. The collection of replicas and actual memorabilia relating to Michael is exceptional. The setting beyond any words at my disposal in the heart of beautiful West Cork. Still, my highest praise are reserved for Tim and Delores. The knowledge and understanding of who Michael was, and the knowledge of the events of his life and times and the impact he had on our history is phenomal. Tim delivered the most riveting and detail laden account of Michael, and his life, a life lived only for Ireland. There are a number of options for private tours to Bèal Na Blàth, Sam's Cross and Woodfield available also. I will definitely make it my business to avail of these options. Tim had a remark which stood true for me today, "the more you learn about history, the more you realise you didn't know". I had my kids with me, 6yrs old, and 8yrs old. They loved the experience. There is nothing better than young minds experiencing facts, and learning our history, and who we are, and this experience provides that for them. An exceptional amenity within the beauty of the scenic West Cork landscape.

Bryan Barrett

However Great the myth of Michael Collins, it will never live up to the Man

The myth of Michael Collins could never live up to the reality of the man. I've studied Michael Collins for many years, and in this beautiful, quaint, idealistic spot, just southwest of Timoleague I gained some incredible insights into the Man, not the myth. The collection of replicas and actual memorabilia relating to Michael is exceptional. The setting beyond any words at my disposal in the heart of beautiful West Cork. Still, my highest praise are reserved for Tim and Delores. The knowledge and understanding of who Michael was, and the knowledge of the events of his life and times and the impact he had on our history is phenomal. Tim delivered the most riveting and detail laden account of Michael, and his life, a life lived only for Ireland. There are a number of options for private tours to Bèal Na Blàth, Sam's Cross and Woodfield available also. I will definitely make it my business to avail of these options. Tim had a remark which stood true for me today, "the more you learn about history, the more you realise you didn't know". I had my kids with me, 6yrs old, and 8yrs old. They loved the experience. There is nothing better than young minds experiencing facts, and learning our history, and who we are, and this experience provides that for them. An exceptional amenity within the beauty of the scenic West Cork landscape.