Dramatic Presentation and Impressive Exhibition
Our Museum is famous for it’s live dramatised illustrated presentations, during which photographs and maps are used to tell the story of Michael Collins in a traditional Irish storytelling style. The Slide Show/Talks bring visitors into the world of Michael Collins from his birth in 1890 to his death at Béal na Blá in 1922. The presentations are delivered three times daily during July and August, with less daily shows in June and September.
The Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artefacts in Ireland associated with the 1916 Rebellion, Irish War Of Independence and Irish Civil War, including six personal items connected to Michael Collins. A guided tour of the collection and the outdoor exhibits is included in the presentation.
As well as the Michael Collins exhibition, the Centre has smaller displays on two other historically significant figures with local connections: Henry Ford and former US President, John F. Kennedy. More Irish fought and died in the American Civil War, than in the Irish Civil War. You could argue that the American Civil War was part of the lead up to the Irish revolutionary period. Michael Collins Centre also has a American Civil War collection.
Michael Collins Centre Museum
Michael Collins Centre Museum
The Museum is located on a beautiful hill top site on the Crowley family farm, overlooking the magnificent Argideen River Valley with breathtaking views of the Dunmanway hills and the Kerry mountains. Three Exhibits are located on the grounds of the Centre.
The final moments of the life of Michael Collins are explored in a 100m, life-size re-creation of the Béal na Blá ambush site, where Michael Collins died, with replicas of the vehicles in the Collins convoy: The Rolls-Royce Whippet armoured car – called Sliabh na mBan, the Crossley Tender (troop lorry) and the Leyland Eight touring car.
In the life size recreation of a firing squad execution yard the story behind 105 executions which occurred in the aftermath of the 1916 rising, during the War of Independence and Civil War in Ireland is explored. Those executions led to huge change and bitterness at that time. The consequences of those executions and the procedure of a firing squad execution is explored during the presentation.
The 1798 memorial is a life-size replica of the ruins of an early Medieval church site with the ruins of a church, a watch house, a holy well, a grotto and over one-hundred uninscribed grave-markers. The Battle of the Big Cross took place on 19 June 1798, 4km north west of the Michael Collins Centre and the memorial was built using stone from the homestead of Tadhg an Asna the leader of the local rebels who was killed in the battle.
What Our Visitors Think
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.
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!!
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.
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.
Tim's communication of the story of Michael Collins: Very clear, interesting and knowledgeable backed up by his research. As we were 3 sisters with relatives directly involved in the civil war, Tim's account of Michael Collin's travels and encounters on his last day were particularly moving.
Fantastic tourist attraction, very well thought out and very well delivered. Hosts were very welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed this visit and great value for money. We were there an hour and forty-five minutes. My youngest son is Irish History Obsessed and described it as “the best day ever”.
Lovely place to sit and take in stunning views.
This was the highlight of our visit to Cork.I had a reasonable general knowledge of Michael Collins but Tim Crowley’s talk gave us a much deeper insight into the man and his family and fellow combatants.I found Tim to be very fair in his assessment of the Civil War section of the talk given, which can’t have been easy. Basically it’s an unmissable visit for anyone trying to understand the intricacies of politics and warfare and the compromises required
This was a place I really was looking forward to visiting and I wasn't disappointed. I know quite a bit about Michael Collins and Irish history but Tim really is a font of knowledge!! The combination of artefacts, his comprehensive knowledge and how he presented the information added to the experience. Most of the few hours was inside so the downpour of rain didn't affect our visit.
Whether you know much or very little, this is really a worthwhile visit!
I can't believe that the Michael Collins Centre is in it's 20th year and I only discovered it recently. If I had known about it I would have come years ago. If you have an interest in Michael Collins then it's an absolute must. If you have an interest in Irish history then it's an absolute must. But even if you don't it's still brilliant. There's also bits on the Spanish Civil War and the American Civil War, Henry Ford and the Kennedys too.
But Tim Crowley's presentation on Michael Collins is absolutely brilliant. His knowledge and research is fantastic. How he gets so much information in but still keeps it so interesting is amazing. It's also in a beautiful setting and the replicas of the vehicles involved in Collins' ambush are fantastic - I was not expecting that after a brilliant presentation.
Dolores was brilliant to deal with and a lovely host also.
So worth a visit if and when you're in beautiful West Cork.
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.
If you are interested in the irish independance war, you HAVE to go there ! Timothy gave the greatest history presentation I ever watched. He really has the knowledge of a historian on Michael Collins. Absolutely incredible. There probably won't be any question you will ask he won't have the answer to. And for the foreigners, he speaks a very understandable english. I recommend 2000 % !!!!!!!
I wish I could give more stars! This was mind blowing and captivating! And I really hope they charge more for this unforgettable experience! You don't meet often a historian that is so passionate about his job and there are reasons behind it which you will need to find out for yourself 😊 1000000000000% recommend it!!
