Michael Collins House
Museum in a restored Georgian house on Emmet Square, Clonakilty, on the life of Michael Collins and the struggle for Irish independence.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Michael Collins House is a museum owned by Cork County Council at 7 Emmet Square in Clonakilty, West Cork. The square is described as the only planned Georgian square outside Dublin. Clonakilty Town Council first conceived the project in 2012, and the building was restored and fitted out in period style.
The museum is devoted to Michael Collins, the revolutionary leader associated with Clonakilty, and tells his life story alongside the wider history of the fight for Irish independence. It looks at the struggle from its beginnings through the 1798 rebellions to Collins’s death near the end of the Civil War in 1922. It also covers local revolutionary figures who influenced the young Collins, such as Tadhg an Asna, who led local forces in 1798, and the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa.
The museum itself explains that, despite local folklore, it cannot be proven that Collins lived in this particular house; he is known to have lived on Emmet Square between 1903 and 1905. Visitors explore with guided or self-guided tours, using interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, information boards and artefacts. There is a gift shop with books and memorabilia, and the museum also publishes a podcast and a short documentary.
Highlights
- Life story of Michael Collins within the history of Irish independence
- Interactive displays, audio-visual presentations and artefacts
- Guided and self-guided tours
- Restored Georgian house on Emmet Square
- Gift shop with books and memorabilia
Permanent exhibition
- The Michael Collins story – A chronological exhibition on the struggle for Irish independence from 1798 to the Civil War, with the life of Michael Collins at its centre.
- Operated by
- Cork County Council
Admission & discounts
| Groups (10+ people) | –Special group prices are offered for groups of 10 or more, and guides go free; teachers and group leaders go free on school tours. |
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Admission is charged, but the ticket prices are not published on the information pages; they are shown in the online booking system. Booking ahead is not necessary for individuals.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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 lists wheelchair access, toilets, baby-changing facilities and suitability for visitors who are hearing impaired.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
The museum is presented as suitable for all ages, with activity sheets, interactive displays and baby-changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free on-street parking on Emmet Square and nearby streets; pay-and-display car parks are at the Church of the Immaculate Conception just off Emmet Square and Kent Street.
From Pearse Street travel west, turn left at the Bank of Ireland onto Bridge Street and continue past the statue of Michael Collins; the museum is across Emmet Square.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The gift shop stocks memorabilia, artwork and history books. The Emmet Hotel across the road offers food and drinks, and Emmet Square has a picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Hand-held cameras may be used, but flash, video cameras, tripods and similar equipment are not allowed. Photographs are for personal use only. |
| Good to know | Visits can be guided or self-guided and take at least an hour, though keen visitors have stayed up to three hours. School groups receive a guided tour of about one hour, and groups of 10 or more can book tailored or private tours. |