Michael Davitt 1846-1906

The Michael Davitt Museum commemorates one of Ireland’s most heroic, ethical and uncompromised historical figures. Labelled by Queen Victoria as ‘one of the worst of the treasonable agitators,’ he was a pivotal inspiration to Mahatma Gandhi.

This museum is located in the tiny village of Straide, whose inhabitants are proud of their former neighbour who was born and is buried here.

As President of the Land League, Davitt played a key role in the Land War of the 1880s that helped break the power of the landlords in Ireland and which eventually led to the transfer of the ownership of the land to the people.

He may not be as swash-buckling as other Irish heroes, but his ability to mix direct struggle with political action helped many people. His life is Hollywod bio-pic waiting to happen.