Michael Collins Birthplace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Collins Birthplace |
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Áit Breithe Mhícheál Uí Choileáin
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| General information | |
| Status | Museum |
| Type | cottage |
| Architectural style | Vernacular |
| Location | Woodfield |
| Town or city | Coolcraheen, near Clonakilty |
| Country | Ireland |
| Coordinates | 51°37′00″N 8°58′50″W / 51.616650°N 8.980448°W |
| Elevation | 65 m (213 ft) |
| Construction started | mid-19th century |
| Renovated | 1989–90 |
| Owner | Office of Public Works |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Stone, timber, slate |
| Floor count | 1 |
| Designations | |
| Official name: Michael Collins birth place | |
| Reference #: | 634 |
The Michael Collins Birthplace is a special old cottage in County Cork, Ireland. It is now a National Monument, which means it's a very important historical site. This cottage is famous because it's where Michael Collins, a key Irish leader, was born in 1890. He played a big part in Ireland's history.
Where is Michael Collins's Home?
This historic cottage is found about 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) west of a town called Clonakilty. It's just northwest of a small area known as Sam's Cross.
A Look Back in Time
Michael Collins was born in this cottage in Woodfield, Coolcraheen, near Clonakilty, in 1890. His mother, Marianne Collins, gave birth to him there. His father, Michael John Collins, was much older than his mother.
After Michael's father passed away in 1897, the family moved to a new house on their farm in 1900. The old cottage, where Michael was born, then became a place to keep farm animals.
Sadly, on April 7, 1921, during a time of conflict, soldiers from the Essex Regiment set fire to almost the entire property. Michael's brother, Seán, and his eight children were living there at the time. The original house was badly burned, with only its outline and one chimney stack left standing.
The land was sold two years later, in 1923. Many years later, the birthplace cottage was rebuilt. In October 1990, the President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery, officially opened it to the public. Today, the Office of Public Works takes care of this important historical site.
What Does Michael Collins's Birthplace Look Like?
The cottage is a single-story building shaped like a rectangle. It was built using local stone. Michael Collins's father, Michael John Collins, was a skilled carpenter. He made the furniture, doors, and window frames for the house himself.
