The Michael Davitt Museum is located in the picturesque and historic village of Straide in Co Mayo on the N58 route between Ballyvary and Foxford.

The museum is housed in the magnificently restored pre-Penal Church that was used prior to the enactment of the 1690’s Penal laws which were more commonly known as popery laws.

The Michael Davitt Visitor Centre includes the beautiful surrounding grounds of Straide Abbey, which together with parking and picnic area provides an ideal destination for one of the great family days out in Mayo.

The Michael Davitt Museum contains an extensive collection of historical artefacts including original documents, photos, Land Acts, letters, postcards, posters, rosary beads and other items connected with Michael Davitt’s life and his campaign work within the National Land League. Davitt was a social reformer, Member of Parliament, author, GAA Patron, labour leader and international humanitarian. He is Mayo’s most famous son and Ireland's greatest Patriot.

Michael Davitt was christened in 1846 during the time of the Great Famine in the Penal Church in Straide. The church is adjacent to the 13th Century remains of Straide Abbey. Founded in 1245 Straide Abbey has a magnificent medieval high alter. Michael Davitt is buried in the cloister area of the Abbey. Anne Deane President of the Ladies Land League is buried in the Abbey.

The Michael Davitt Visitor Centre has knowledgeable and friendly staff, on hand to give a guided tour of museum exhibits, and abbey. The museum has a 15 minute award winning audio visual presentation.

For visitors to Mayo, the Michael Davitt Museum is a must of things to do in Mayo and brings to life an important part of nineteenth century Irish history.

The Michael Davitt Museum is one of the few museums in Mayo open all year round. It welcomes all visitors to Mayo from home and overseas as well as school tours and tourist coaches.

If you would like more information about the museum, the work of the Michael Davitt National Memorial Association or some background on the life of Michael Davitt himself, then please feel free to contact us

Below a list of sponsors whose financial generosity helped to bring the project to its present stage, we sincerely thank them