Independence Museum Kilmurry

About the museum

The Independence Museum Kilmurry grew out of the Kilmurry Historical and Archaeological Society, which a group of local people formed in 1963 to preserve and show the heritage of the village and its surroundings. In 1965 the society opened the Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum in a converted farm building, as a tribute to the Lord Mayor of Cork who died on hunger strike in 1920. The old building later deteriorated and put the collection at risk.

A new purpose-built museum and community centre was completed in 2014, helped by the largest capital grant that the West Cork LEADER programme had awarded. A professional exhibition was then developed to tell the story of the revolutionary period through the eyes of ordinary men and women. The society became a registered charity in 2014 and the museum is run by volunteers.

The museum shows local historical and archaeological objects and focuses on the Irish War of Independence in the region. Its website and exhibition cover the ambushes at Lissarda, Kilmichael, Cúil na Cathrach, Crossbarry and Béal na Bláth, which is only a few minutes from the village, and a selection of 25 key objects. The building also contains a heritage room used for events.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the War of Independence in mid-Cork told through local objects
• Information on the Lissarda, Kilmichael, Crossbarry and Béal na Bláth ambushes
• Collection that began as the Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum in 1965
• Purpose-built museum with a lift and free parking
• Béal na Bláth ambush site a five-minute drive away

Permanent exhibitions

• Independence Museum Kilmurry permanent exhibition – A permanent exhibition on the Irish War of Independence in mid-Cork, built around local objects and the stories of ordinary people, with a selection of 25 key items.
• Local ambushes – Presentations on the ambushes at Lissarda, Kilmichael, Cúil na Cathrach, Crossbarry and Béal na Bláth.

Founded

1965

Operated by

Kilmurry Historical & Archaeological Association

Admission & discounts

Museum members and active military personnel enter free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 describes itself as an accessible venue with a lift. It is also breastfeeding-friendly.

Kids & families

Children aged 12 and under enter free and families with specific access needs can ask the museum to prepare in advance.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Kilmurry village just off the N22 on the way to Macroom, about 40 km west of Cork city (a drive of roughly 40 minutes).

Amenities & dining

A small shop and a pub are a short walk from the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

The Heritage Room can host events, training, screenings, dinners and weddings, and is approved for civil ceremonies. The website gives 200 for standing and 100 to 150 for seated events.

Plan your visit