The Clarke Museum of Irish History
Free museum in Ballina’s former Provincial Bank, showing selected items from the Jackie Clarke collection of more than 100,000 historical objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum, formerly known as the Jackie Clarke Collection, shows highlights from one of the most important private collections of Irish historical material now in public ownership. Collected by the Ballina businessman Jackie Clarke, it has more than 100,000 items spanning four centuries, including an original 1916 Proclamation and objects connected to Michael Collins, Douglas Hyde, Michael Davitt and Theobald Wolfe Tone.
The museum is housed in the former Provincial Bank on Pearse Street in Ballina. The building dates from 1881 and was used as a bank until 1977; it was designed by the Victorian architect Thomas Manly Deane, who also designed the National Museum and the Government Buildings in Dublin. Mayo County Council acquired it in 2007 and restored it as a museum.
Selected highlights are on display, with objects, storyboards and touch screens covering the 1600s to the 1900s, rare maps, books and newspapers, and the story of Jackie Clarke’s own life and business. The wider collection can be consulted by appointment, and a walled heritage garden belongs to the museum.
Highlights
- Original 1916 Proclamation shown behind a vault door
- Objects linked to Michael Collins, Douglas Hyde, Michael Davitt and Wolfe Tone
- Irish maps from the 1600s to the late 1900s
- Historic newspapers, rare books, prints and political cartoons
- Walled heritage garden
Permanent exhibitions
- Explore the collection – Objects, storyboards and touch screens present 400 years of Irish history, with an original 1916 Proclamation behind the vault door.
- Jackie Clarke’s story – Personal artefacts, a short film and a timeline tell of Jackie Clarke’s life, family, business and passion for Irish history.
- Irish maps – Maps from the 1600s to the late 1900s show how Ireland’s changing story was recorded.
- Operated by
- Mayo County Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free. Guided tours of the museum and garden can be booked in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum and the walled heritage garden are described as fully accessible, with step-free access on Walsh Street, a lift to all public floors, seating throughout and accessible routes. Large-print interpretation and captioned audio-visual content are provided, and reading aids are available on request. A social story and a sensory map can be downloaded in advance. Staff have completed autism-friendly training.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Pay-and-display street parking is available on Walsh Street and Pearse Street. The Market Square, Bachelor’s Walk and Dunnes car parks (the last with EV charging) are within five minutes’ walk. Coach parking at the front of the building on Pearse Street is free but must be booked with reception.
The museum is in Ballina town centre, 43.6 km from Ireland West Airport and 55.1 km from Westport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Seating is provided throughout the museum and garden. Café, shop and Wi-Fi are not mentioned on the website.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are self-guided, taking about 45 to 60 minutes. Guided tours of the museum and garden, school visits and group visits can be booked in advance by phone or email. |
