De Valera's Cottage facts for kids

De Valera's Cottage is a special old house in County Limerick, Ireland. It's known as a National Monument, which means it's a very important historical site. This cottage was the childhood home of Éamon de Valera (1882–1975). He grew up to become a very important leader in Ireland, serving as President of Dáil Éireann, President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State, Taoiseach (Prime Minister), and even President of Ireland.

Where is De Valera's Cottage?

De Valera's Cottage is found in County Limerick, Ireland. It is about 1 km (0.6 mi) north of the village of Bruree. You can find it on the road that leads to Athlacca.

The Story of De Valera's Childhood Home

This cottage was built in 1885. It was made for a labourer, which means someone who worked hard with their hands. The house was built by the Kilmallock Poor Law Union, a group that helped people in need during that time.

Éamon de Valera's Early Life

Éamon de Valera was born in New York City in 1882. When he was just three years old, in 1885, his uncle Ned brought him to Ireland. This happened after his father, Juan Vivion de Valera, passed away. Éamon came to live in this very cottage.

Even when his mother remarried, Éamon stayed in Ireland. He lived in the cottage outside Bruree with his grandmother, Elizabeth Coll. His uncle Patrick and aunt Hannie also lived there.

Life on the Farm

Life at the cottage was not easy. The family had a small farm, only about half an acre. To help make ends meet, they also used "the long farm." This meant they would graze their cattle on the grass along the roadside. This was actually against the rules. Young Éamon had to keep watch for policemen from the Royal Irish Constabulary. If he saw them, he had to quickly pretend he was just moving the cattle across the road.

School Days and Later Visits

As a teenager, Éamon had a long journey to school. He walked 11 km (7 miles) every morning and evening to C.B.S. Charleville. The family could not afford a bicycle, so he walked all that way.

Even after he became a famous leader, Éamon de Valera often came back to visit the cottage. Today, the cottage is a museum. It holds many items that belonged to de Valera, including the trunk he brought with him from New York.

What the Cottage Looks Like

The cottage is a single-storey building. It has three sections, or "bays," and stands by itself. It's a good example of a traditional Irish cottage.

The Cottage in Culture

The poet Thomas McCarthy wrote a poem about the cottage in 1984. It was called "Returning to De Valera's Cottage." The poem talks about the special feeling the cottage gave to the village around it.

See also

• Michael Collins Birthplace