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 cottage and National Monument located in County Cork, Ireland. It was the birthplace of Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins (1890–1922).
Location
The Michael Collins Birthplace is located 5.3 km (3.3 mi) west of Clonakilty, immediately northwest of the hamlet of Sam's Cross.
History
Collins was born in Woodfield, Coolcraheen, near Clonakilty, in 1890 without medical assistance to Marianne Collins (née O'Brien; c. 1852-1907); In 1900, three years after the death of Michael John Collins (1815-1897), Marianne's much older husband, the family moved to a new house on the farmstead, and the old house became housing for livestock. Almost the entire property, then occupied by Collins's widower brother, Seán (previously known as John), and his eight children, was burned down at the direction of Essex Regiment soldiers on 7 April 1921.
The land was sold two years later, in 1923. It was rebuilt many years later, but the original house his mother built was left as is after it was burnt, with only the buildings imprint and one chimney stack standing. It opened to the public in October 1990 by President Patrick Hillery and is maintained by the Office of Public Works.
Description
The house is rectangular and single-storey, built of local stone. Michael John Collins, father of Michael, was an adept carpenter and made the furniture, doors and windowframes himself.
