Last week we wrote a little about Michael Davitt’s life and the museum dedicated to him in Straide. Today we continue the theme of County Mayo Museums with history focus. Our second serving of a hidden gem that we believe is worth your time is the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina.
Part 2: Top Private Collection Of Irish History Material In Public Hands – The Jackie Clarke Collection
What did you collect as a child? Did your passion stay with you into adulthood? One of us had a much-loved collection of stamps from all over the world and every Smash Hit magazine issue then available. The other enjoyed hunting down all kinds of unusual pencils. Like most kids, our interests petered out once more pressing matters presented themselves in our late teens. Neither of us knows what happened to our treasured collections. Which is a shame. I’d absolutely love to look over the once so coveted items now and perhaps re-experience the past joy of acquiring them.
Well, Jackie Clarke was an ardent child collector like many. However, unlike many, his passion only grew as he got older. Today, his compilation of Irish historical material is quite simply remarkable. Over 100,000 items spanning 400 years! The earliest artefact is from 1617. And the collection includes the ‘first Newspaper’ – the third edition of Oxford Gazette from December 1665.
Who Was The Collector Jackie Clarke?
Jackie Clarke was born in Ballina, County Mayo, in 1927 into a merchant family. When he was boarding at Blackrock College in Dublin, he fell in love with combing city centre bookshops for unusual treasures. His particular interest was in printed matters. He looked for old posters, letters and political pamphlets. It seems that anything to do with Ireland’s centuries-long struggle for independence called his name.
When he finished his studies, Jackie returned to Ballina. Here he set up a shop of his own, Clarke’s Salmon Smokery. It has been trading successfully since 1945 and is still a family business today. You can place a mail order for their delectable wares on their website. What’s more, if you’re angling locally, you can bring your catch to the shop to have it smoked. Does not get much more local than that.
Throughout his life, Jackie Clarke attended antique book fairs and auctions. He travelled around Ireland looking for items to add to his collection. And he kept many of the priceless pieces in the family house above the Smokery. Clarke was also involved in local politics as a town councillor. For a time, he served as Mayor of Ballina.
Will I Enjoy The Collection?
Yes, you will enjoy the wonderful plethora of Irish historical material in this fascinating collection. Particularly if you’re interested in Irish revolutionary figures. You can see items relating to Theobald Wolfe Tone. Also letters and personal items of Michael Collins, Douglas Hyde, O’Donovan Rossa and others.
In addition, the collection includes rare books on the history of Ireland and the rarer 1917 Proclamation. Also manuscripts, posters, photos, newspapers, political cartoons, pamphlets and handbills. Plus works by John Lavery, maps and hunger strike material.
Jackie Clarke passed away in 2000. Five years later, his wife Anne gifted his compilation to Mayo County Council and the public.
Where Is The Jackie Clarke Collection, What Are The Opening Hours And How Much Are Tickets?
The collection’s home is Ballina’s former Provincial Bank on Pearse Street. Part of the building is the beautiful Walled Heritage Garden that you should not miss. The museum offers specialist tours which can be booked in advance. Booking info on their website. Do not miss ‘The Collector’ exhibition. Here, through pieces central to the collection and a short film, you gain insight into how Clarke curated his artefacts.
Opening hours: Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm.
Cost: Free