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Michael Davitt Museum

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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.

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

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

30/05/2026

🕊️💚 Remembering Michael Davitt 💚🕊️

Today, on the anniversary of his passing, 30th May, we remember Michael Davitt and pay tribute to his tireless work for justice, land reform, and equality.

From his humble beginnings in Straide to becoming one of Ireland’s most influential reformers, Davitt dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. His legacy continues to inspire visitors from across Ireland and around the world.

As we reflect on his remarkable life, we honour the values he championed and the lasting impact he has left on our history and heritage.

May he never be forgotten. 💚

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

29/05/2026

⭐📚 Fact Friday 📚⭐

Did you know? Michael Davitt’s powerful speeches and writings inspired political activists not only in Ireland, but across the world.

Through his words, Davitt campaigned for justice, equality, and land reform, becoming a voice for ordinary people during a time of great change. His influence reached far beyond Ireland, inspiring figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Charles Stewart Parnell, and even Parnell’s sisters, Anna and F***y, who became active campaigners in their own right. 🌍💚

His legacy continues to remind us of the power words can have in shaping history.

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

28/05/2026

🖋️✨ Artifact Spotlight ✨🖋️

This week’s artifact spotlight features Michael Davitt’s pen knife — a small but fascinating personal item connected to one of Ireland’s most influential historical figures.

Simple everyday objects like this help bring history to life, offering a glimpse into the personal side of Michael Davitt beyond his public work and political legacy.

Visit the Michael Davitt Museum to discover more unique artifacts and stories from Davitt’s remarkable life. 💚

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

26/05/2026

📬 **Postcard Tuesday** 📬

This week’s postcard takes us across the Atlantic to the breathtaking Niagara Falls, New York. 🌊

Dated **August 28th, 1900**, the postcard simply reads *“From Papa”* — a small but touching message that reminds us how postcards once connected families across great distances.

Artifacts like this give us a glimpse into the travels, memories, and personal connections of the past, preserving moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.

The Heritage Council 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

21/05/2026

✨📜 Artifact Spotlight 📜✨

This fascinating artifact on display at the Michael Davitt Museum is a series of handwritten telegraphs sent by Michael Davitt from West Strand.

In the messages, Davitt discusses political events of the time alongside Charles Stewart Parnell and John Dillon, showing the fast-paced communication used during Ireland’s struggle for reform and justice in the late 19th century.

A remarkable glimpse into history — and into the words of one of Mayo’s most influential figures. 💚

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 Atlantic Way

20/05/2026

📚✨ Wonderful visit today from the 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils of Attymass NS, who were very interested and engaged in learning the story of Michael Davitt.

Thank you all for visiting the museum and for your thoughtful and interesting questions! We hope you enjoyed exploring the history and legacy of one of Mayo’s most important figures. 💚

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

19/05/2026

📮✨ Postcard Tuesday ✨📮

Today’s postcard takes us to Paris in 1900, where Michael Davitt sent this beautiful postcard of the Eiffel Tower home to his family. Dated November 7th, the simple handwritten message reads: “From Papa with love.” 💚

Though brief, the postcard offers a touching glimpse into Davitt’s life beyond politics and public speaking — reminding us that even while travelling abroad, family remained close to his heart.

A small card with a powerful personal story, preserved here 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 CollectionMidwest Radio Western People Wild Atlantic Way

18/05/2026

⚽✨ Fun Fact ✨⚽

Our Curator, Margaret Keane, has just returned from a visit to Scotland
and visited the Celtic FC Tour. Michael Davitt is believed to have helped
name Glasgow Celtic Football Club! Congrats to Celtic on their Five in a Row win at the weekend from all at the Michael Davitt Museum.

As an honorary patron of the club, Davitt played an important role in its early history. In 1892, at the opening of the new Celtic Park stadium, he laid the very first sod of Irish turf using a ceremonial silver spade. A proud moment linking Irish history, community, and sport together.

where Michael Davitt laid the first sod of turf on the pitch in 1888.

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

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

Website

http://www.michaeldavittmuseum.ie/

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