Michael Davitt Museum

Michael Davitt Museum Find out about Michael Davitt, one of Ireland's Greatest Patriots. One visitor described him as "The man who did more with one arm that others did with arms."

Museum dedicated to the life & achievements of Michael Davitt (1846-1906) Father of the Land League, Author, MP, labour Rights activist & International Humanitarian. The museum is located within the RIAI Award winning restored church in which Davitt himself was baptised, and contains a wealth of historical artefacts, personal memorabilia and an invaluable archive. The Museum is adjacent to the mag

nificent 13th Century Straide Abbey (which contains some of the finest medieval carvings in Ireland) and cemetery, in which Davitt was laid to rest in 1906, and his grave now stands.

📚✨ **Bloomsday Today** ✨📚Today, Dublin celebrates **Bloomsday**, a day dedicated to the life and work of one of Ireland’...
16/06/2026

📚✨ **Bloomsday Today** ✨📚

Today, Dublin celebrates **Bloomsday**, a day dedicated to the life and work of one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers, James Joyce.

At the Michael Davitt Museum, we also remember that Michael Davitt was a writer in his own right. Through his books, articles, letters, and speeches, Davitt used the written word to share his ideas on justice, land reform, and the struggles faced by ordinary people.

Both writers, in different ways, leave us with powerful words that continue to tell Ireland’s story.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

✨ **A Special Visit to the Michael Davitt Museum** ✨We were delighted to welcome a return visit from Professor James Wal...
13/06/2026

✨ **A Special Visit to the Michael Davitt Museum** ✨

We were delighted to welcome a return visit from Professor James Walsh of the University of Colorado on Thursday 11th June with a group of his students. We also attended other history lectures and talks with the group, at ATU and with the Westport Civic Trust/Historical Society as part of series of events organised by Michael Cleary.

This visit follows on from a previous visit by Professor Walsh where he enthralled us with his fascinating story and research into the plight of over a thousand people from Mayo and other counties during the great famine; their transient and destitute journeys to the Silver Mines of Leadville, high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

At the time, Michael Davitt visited Leadville at least twice and recognised the hardship of these people. Since his first visit, Professor Walsh has worked with the Irish Government and other Institutes and a memorial has been erected at the site of the mines and he has established a visiting education series with ATU for visiting students.

We at the museum are looking forward to collaborating further with him in the future.

Read more on this story here: https://coloradosun.com/2022/10/30/leadville-cemetery-irish-history/

📸 Pictured: Professor Walsh (third from Left), Margaret Keane, Curator (Middle in blue), Michael Cleary (Far right) and students at the Michael Davitt Museum.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio People Wild Atlantic Way

📖 Fact Friday 📖Did you know? A tour at the Michael Davitt Museum also includes a visit to the 13th-century Straide Friar...
12/06/2026

📖 Fact Friday 📖

Did you know? A tour at the Michael Davitt Museum also includes a visit to the 13th-century Straide Friary, adjacent to the museum. This medieval site includes the final resting place of Michael Davitt, where visitors can pay their respects as well as travel back in time through stories of medieval monks, poets, and battles.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

✨ This Day in History ✨On this day, 9th June 1946, the people of Straide came together to celebrate 100 years since the ...
09/06/2026

✨ This Day in History ✨

On this day, 9th June 1946, the people of Straide came together to celebrate 100 years since the birth of Michael Davitt.

This wonderful photograph, kindly donated to the Michael Davitt Museum by Eileen Dunleavy of Straide, captures a special moment of remembrance and community spirit.

Eileen’s father, Tommie Dunleavy, is pictured aged 15, sitting astride the horse furthest to the right.

Do you recognise anyone in this photograph? We would love to hear from you — drop in and share your memories!



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

✨ Special Exhibition Spotlight ✨The Michael Davitt Museum, Straide is delighted to highlight the current exhibition “Cha...
08/06/2026

✨ Special Exhibition Spotlight ✨

The Michael Davitt Museum, Straide is delighted to highlight the current exhibition “Character is better than Wealth” running in the Trinity College Library until the end of June 2026.

This fascinating exhibition offers a unique insight into Michael Davitt’s life through his own words — including his prison writings from Portland Prison, personal papers, autobiographical sketches, diaries, and letters.

Discover the man behind the legacy and explore Davitt’s journey, his beliefs, and his lifelong commitment to justice and equality.

A must-see exhibition for anyone interested in Irish history and heritage.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

**✨ Visitor Spotlight ✨**We were delighted to welcome **Anne Marie Diffley (centre)** and her friends from Dublin to the...
08/06/2026

**✨ Visitor Spotlight ✨**

We were delighted to welcome **Anne Marie Diffley (centre)** and her friends from Dublin to the **Michael Davitt Museum**.

Anne Marie works in the exhibition rooms at **Trinity College Dublin** and spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Mulranny. During their visit, they explored the story of Michael Davitt and discovered more about his life, work, and lasting legacy.

Thank you for visiting — we hope you enjoyed your time with us!



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland

📖 Fact FridayDid you know? The original Michael Davitt family home no longer stands today.During the years of the Great ...
05/06/2026

📖 Fact Friday

Did you know? The original Michael Davitt family home no longer stands today.

During the years of the Great Famine, it was common for landlords to demolish or burn tenants’ cottages after eviction. This was often done to prevent families from returning to the land and to clear estates.

The Davitt family home was among the many houses lost during this difficult period in Irish history. These events helped shape Michael Davitt’s lifelong commitment to land reform, justice, and the rights of ordinary people.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

🏛️✨ **Artifact Spotlight** ✨🏛️This week's Artifact Spotlight is a remarkable **Certificate of Honorary Burgess of the Ci...
04/06/2026

🏛️✨ **Artifact Spotlight** ✨🏛️

This week's Artifact Spotlight is a remarkable **Certificate of Honorary Burgess of the City of Limerick**, awarded to **Michael Davitt** in 1884.

Presented in recognition of his outstanding service to Ireland and his dedication to the cause of justice and land reform, this honour reflects the immense respect Davitt earned throughout the country during his lifetime.

Beautifully preserved and rich in history, this certificate stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose work helped shape modern Ireland.

Visit the Michael Davitt Museum to discover more fascinating artifacts from Davitt's extraordinary life and legacy.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

📚 Book Spotlight 📚Looking to learn more about the fascinating history of Mayo during the revolutionary period?Remember U...
03/06/2026

📚 Book Spotlight 📚

Looking to learn more about the fascinating history of Mayo during the revolutionary period?

Remember Us: The People’s War, Newport Area, Mayo 1914–1924 by the Tiernaur Oral History Group tells the stories of the people and events that shaped the Newport area during a pivotal decade in Irish history. Richly illustrated and filled with local memories, photographs, and historical research, it offers a unique insight into Mayo’s past.

💶 Price: €25

📖✨

The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Jackie Clarke Collection Midwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

📮✨ Postcard Tuesday ✨📮This week's Postcard Tuesday takes us to Marseilles, France, with a postcard dated 25th June 1900 ...
02/06/2026

📮✨ Postcard Tuesday ✨📮

This week's Postcard Tuesday takes us to Marseilles, France, with a postcard dated 25th June 1900 from Michael Davitt's travels.

Featuring views of the bustling French port city, this postcard is one of many reminders of Davitt's extensive journeys around the world. While best known for his work in Ireland, Davitt travelled widely, documenting his experiences and staying in touch with family and friends along the way.

More than 120 years later, this simple postcard offers a fascinating glimpse into travel, communication, and everyday life at the turn of the twentieth century.

📍 Visit the Michael Davitt Museum to discover more postcards and treasures from Davitt's remarkable travels.



The Heritage Council Our Irish Heritage Tourism Ireland National Museum of Ireland National Library of Ireland Mayo North East Mayo North Tourism, Ireland

Address

Straide
Foxford Co Mayo
F26FX37

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+353949031942

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