Commemorating 60 years of Independence Museum Kilmurry

On 19 September, Independence Museum Kilmurry will proudly celebrate six decades of safeguarding Ireland’s local and revolutionary history.

Its story began in the early 1960s, when Kilmurry Historical Society was formed to preserve the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the area at a time of rapid economic and social change. The museum was set up as a folk museum covering local history, archaeology and tools used in agriculture and craft industries that were already disappearing by 1965 as Ireland embraced modernity and industrialisation. Kilmurry was one of the first rural villages in Ireland to have such as museum.

This area of mid-Cork is also strongly associated with the country’s struggle for independence, particularly in the 1920s, with Béal na Bláth, Crossbarry, Kilmichael, Lissarda and Newcestown ambush sites all within proximity of Kilmurry. Inspired by Terence MacSwiney – Lord Mayor of Cork who died on hunger strike in 1920 – the society sought to honour his memory and the region’s pivotal role in the struggle for independence.

On 19 September 1965, the original museum, named The Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum was opened in a small house once linked to Terence MacSwiney’s ancestors and his daughter, Máire MacSwiney Brugha opened it and became its first patron.

At the opening, Máire noted the inspiration to be taken from old objects and documents. “As we all know those who worked and fought in every generation to free this country drew inspiration from its history and from the traditions kept alive among the people. If we are to keep faith with them in the future and if we are to build the Ireland they hope for, we must rely for inspiration and strength on these same sources. That is where the founding of this folk museum is of such importance to preserve objects and documents of historical interest which might otherwise be lost.”

Early exhibits included poignant revolutionary artefacts such as a sprig of shamrock worn in Wormwood Scrubs jail and a section of the packing case used to return MacSwiney’s coffin home to Cork. In 1965, the then honorary secretary noted of building up the exhibits: “We have only made the beginning an enormous amount to work has to go into the building itself and much still remains to be done. One room of the building is devoted almost exclusively to tools. The smith, carpenter, cooper, stonecutter, thatcher and farm worker are all represented by the instruments of their craft. Old maps and prints dominate the main room, which is also filled with a variety of exhibits, including a cannonball from the Cromwellian period, An iron rushlight holder, an altarbread stamper from Boulavogue, swords and bayonets from 19th century wars, as well as an engraved plate from one of the crossley tenders…the museum represents a progressive step into the future, by skilful use of the past for Kilmurry.”

Fast forward a number of decades and in the 2010s, when the farm building that housed the original museum began to fall into disrepair, it put the many valuable historical and archaeological artefacts from the area at risk. A decision was taken to build a new museum.

Then chairman of the Association and Museum Noel Howard outlined that the group applied for funding to the West Cork Leader programme and received €410,000. They also contacted Theo Dahlke, curator of Allihies Copper Mine Museum on the Beara Peninsula and co-founder of Heritageworks, who design and build heritage projects.

Noel noted of the central location of Kilmurry to telling the Story of the War of Independence and Irish Civil War. “We felt that a museum would make Kilmurry a destination for the ever growing numbers of history buffs – its close proximity to Kilmichael, Béal na Blath, Crossbarry and other War of Independence sites gives it a key role in telling our country’s story in the decade of centenaries.”

The then treasurer Mary O’Mahony said that the new building, completed in 2014, was a fitting venue to house the many artefacts including several relating to Terence MacSwiney, Tom Barry’s suitcase and a wheel from the Crossley tender ambushed by Barry and his IRA Flying Column at Kilmichael. Mary highlighted bringing the past to life: “Now we have a place that will show what the ordinary men and women of this country and, in particular in our area, did for our country in very difficult times. Everyone of Irish heritage needs to hear all of these fabulous stories brought to life by the museum as they are part of our unique DNA.”

To commemorate the 2025 60th anniversary of a museum in Kilmurry village, Independence Museum Kilmurry host the following events:

Friday 19 September: A commemoration mass at St Mary’s Church, Kilmurry at 7.30pm. Fr Michael Kelleher (a Kilmurry native with close links to Independence Museum Kilmurry) will say mass. Choirs from St Mary’s and St Andrews’s churches, Kilmurry will sing a selection of hymns. Peadar Ó Riada, musical composer from Cúil Aodha will sing the final hymn. Following mass, a plaque will be unveiled at Independence Museum Kilmurry acknowledging that the site for the new museum was generously donated by Domhnall Ua Buchalla and family. Domhnall Ua Buachalla was a founding member of The Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum and a previous chairman of Kilmurry Historical & Archaeological Association Ltd.

An exhibition will be launched in the Heritage Room featuring a 60 year timeline with pictures and information on the founding members, people and events of Kilmurry museum from 1965 to the launch of the new Independence Museum Kilmurry. This will include local and national changes that have occurred in the area during this period. Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be served after this event. Kilmurry Parish Schools artwork will be displayed, which will focus on the theme of the original museum and life in the 1960s.

Saturday 20 September: Stepping into History - A Walking Tour of Kilmurry village. Inspired by this year’s theme for Heritage Week – Exploring our Foundations, there will be an opportunity to delve into the building blocks of our local heritage, the landscape, physical buildings, cultural activities, and the daily lives of our ancestors that shaped us. A walking tour of the village will commence at 3pm from the Independence Museum. This tour will include St Andew’s Church, St Mary’s graveyard, the original museum building, local businesses, Kilmurry Grotto and St Mary’s Church. Local historians and museum guides will give a brief talk at each location. The duration of the walking tour will be approximately 90 minutes.

Read more on Independence Museum, Kilmurry at kilmurrymuseum.ie.

Upcoming September Historical Walking Tours with Kieran:

All free, 2 hours, no booking required

Sunday 14 September: The Friar’s Walk Tour; Discover Red Abbey, Elizabeth Fort, Barrack Street, Callanan’s Tower & Greenmount area. Meet at Red Abbey tower, off Douglas Street at 2pm.

Saturday 20 September: The Historic Peninsula of Mahon; explore social histories & the stories of some of the former big house estates in the area. Meet at Blackrock Garda Station entrance, Ringmahon Road, opposite Dunlocha Cottages at 2pm.

Sunday 21 September: Blackpool: Its History and Heritage. Meet at the square on St Mary’s Road, opposite North Cathedral at 2pm.

Sunday 28 September: New tour The South Bank – The South Parish and its Histories. Meet at the Ronnie Herlihy Pocket Park, Langford Row, adjacent intersection of High Street, Summerhill South and Douglas Street at 2pm.