Michael Collins Diaries Exhibition Returns to Michael Collins House

The National Archives of Ireland and Cork County Council have announced the return of the acclaimed Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 exhibition to Michael Collins House Museum in Clonakilty this August, with this year's display shining a light on a lesser known side of the revolutionary leader: his passion for Kerry Blue Terriers.

Collins regarded the breed as a symbol of Irish identity and nationhood. In October 1920, while actively evading British forces, he entered his Kerry Blue Terrier, Convict 224, in what would become the first ever Irish Kennel Club Dog Show.

Visitors to this year's exhibition will have the rare opportunity to view diary entries from 1922 that reveal Collins' continued involvement with Kerry Blues as political tensions mounted and the country edged towards civil war. On display are Collins' working diary pages from 11 and 27 April 1922, a dog show entry form from June 1922, and his personal copy of a booklet for the Kerry Blue Terrier Club's show, held on 29 June 1922. Also featured are show programmes, photographs, and other material relating to Collins' own dogs, offering an insight into how his personal interests endured alongside the demands of his public life.

The diaries have undergone conservation, archival processing, and digitisation at the National Archives, and visitors can explore all five diaries in full via an interactive touchscreen display. They are on loan to the National Archives by the family of the late Liam and Betty Collins of Clonakilty.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:

"These diary entries provide a wonderfully human perspective on Michael Collins. At a time when Ireland stood on the brink of civil war, Collins was still taking an active interest in breeding, exhibiting, and promoting Kerry Blue Terriers. The exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into the man behind the statesman and military leader."

Orlaith McBride, Director, National Archives, Ireland:

"Now in its fifth year, our collaboration with Michael Collins House reflects the National Archives' custodial role in preserving and providing access to the State's documentary heritage. While the diaries are available year round through our touchscreen displays, this exhibition offers a special opportunity to explore in depth what Collins' own words reveal about the man behind the public figure."

The Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 exhibition runs from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 at Michael Collins House, 7 Emmet Square, Clonakilty. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.00am to 6.00pm, and admission is free.

For more information, visit michaelcollinshouse.ie and nationalarchives.ie.