Michael Collins Birthplace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Collins Birthplace |
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Áit Bhreithe Mhícheál Uí Choileáin
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General information | |
Status | Museum |
Type | cottage |
Architectural style | Vernacular |
Location | Woodfield, Kilkerranmore |
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 cottage in County Cork, Ireland. It is also known as a National Monument. This means it's a very important historical site. This cottage is famous because it's where a well-known Irish leader, Michael Collins, was born in 1890.
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Where is Michael Collins' Childhood Home?
The Michael Collins Birthplace is located in a place called Kilkerranmore. It's about 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of a town called Rosscarbery. You can find it just northwest of a small area known as Sam's Cross.
A Look Back: History of the Cottage
Michael Collins was born in this cottage in 1890. His mother, Mary Anne Collins, gave birth to him in Woodfield, Coolcraheen, near Clonakilty.
In 1900, the family moved to a new house on their farm. The original cottage then became a place to keep farm animals. Sadly, on April 7, 1921, soldiers from the Essex Regiment burned down almost the entire property. At that time, Michael's older brother, Seán, lived there with his eight children.
The land was sold two years later, in 1923. Many years after the fire, other parts of the property were rebuilt. However, the original birthplace cottage was left as ruins. Only its outline and one chimney stack remained standing.
The birthplace was later restored and opened to the public in October 1990. The President at the time, Patrick Hillery, officially opened it. Today, the Office of Public Works takes care of this important historical site.
What Does the House Look Like?
The cottage is a single-storey building, meaning it has only one floor. It is shaped like a rectangle and built using local stone. Michael Collins' father, Michael John Collins, was a skilled carpenter. He made much of the furniture, doors, and window frames for the house himself.