Michael Collins Centre, Clonakilty
As soon as visitors arrive at the Michael Collins Centre, outside Clonakilty, they proceed to the Cottage/Theatre. A twenty minute audio/ visual explores the “Big Fella’s” childhood, his family history, his school days and the important Collins’ sites around Clonakilty. A guide then continues the presentation, using slides, large photographs or film clips. The visitor is taken through the 1916 rebellion, War of Independence, Treaty talks and the Civil War. The tragic death of Michael Collins at Beal Na mBlath and his Legacy are also discussed.
The presentation ends with a guided tour of the ambush trail, a life size replica of an ambush site complete with Crossley Tender and replica of Michael Collins’ famous Rolls Royce Armoured Car, “Sliabh Na mBan”. Here the events at Béal na mBláth and the history of the vehicles in the Collins convoy are explained in more detail. Visitors can then return to the Cottage/ Theatre to view the exhibition of photographs, documents and militaria.
