Independence museum marking 60 years celebrating Cork's rich and vibrant heritage

A mid-Cork museum which has strong ties to one of Ireland’s most important patriots will this weekend celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Independence Museum Kilmurry began in 1965 when the Kilmurry Historical Society opened the Terence MacSwiney Memorial Museum, dedicated to the memory of Cork’s martyred lord mayor, who died in Brixton in October 1920 after 74 days on hunger strike.

His death made international headlines and propelled the struggle for Irish freedom to the forefront of global politics.

The original museum was housed in a small building linked to Mr MacSwiney’s ancestors, with Máire MacSwiney Brugha, daughter of Terence MacSwiney, becoming its first patron.

The museum’s early exhibits reflected both local life and national struggle, ranging from agricultural and craft tools already vanishing in the 1960s to deeply poignant artefacts of the revolutionary era, such as a sprig of shamrock worn in Wormwood Scrubs jail, and a section of the packing case used to return Terence MacSwiney’s coffin to Cork.

Significant location

Kilmurry’s location in mid-Cork added further significance, with Béal na Bláth, Crossbarry, Kilmichael, Lissarda, and Newcestown ambush sites nearby, all reminders of the area’s central role in Ireland’s fight for independence.

In 2014, the museum found its permanent home in a building which doubles as a community centre for the village.

This weekend, the Kilmurry Historical and Archaeological Association (KHAA) will host a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Independence Museum.

Terry Dartson of the KHAA said the celebration would begin on Friday evening, at 7.30pm when Fr Michael Kelleher, a Kilmurry native with long-standing ties to the museum, will celebrate a commemoration Mass at St Mary’s Church, Kilmurry.

“Music will be provided by the St Mary’s Catholic Choir, St Andrew’s Church of Ireland Choir, and the Coolea Choir, and will include a musical composition sung by composer Peadar Ó Riada of Cúil Aodha, son of Seán Ó Riada,” said Mr Dartson.

Plaque

Afterwards, in the museum, a plaque will be unveiled honouring the generosity of Domhnall Ua Buachalla and family, who donated the site of the museum at the opening of the 60th anniversary exhibition.

“That will take place in the Heritage Room, featuring a timeline of people, events, and milestones from 1965 to the present day, alongside local and national changes,” Mr Dartson said.

“There will be some artwork on display by Kilmurry parish schools reflecting life in the 1960s. Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be served in the museum afterwards.”

On Saturday, a walking tour of Kilmurry village will take place, beginning at 3pm from the museum. The day will conclude with a social gathering at Seano’s Bar, celebrating shared heritage and community spirit.

“Sixty years on, the Independence Museum Kilmurry stands not only as a custodian of Ireland’s past but also as a tribute to the vision, resilience, and volunteer spirit of the people of Kilmurry,” Mr Dartson said.

“Managed and run entirely by volunteers, the museum thrives thanks to their dedication.”

The Independence Museum Kilmurry is open from Wednesday to Friday, from 11am to 4pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. For more information, see https://kilmurrymuseum.ie.