Walk through history.

Cork County Council has officially launched a new trail, featuring 140 signposts and waypoints at sites associated with the life of historical Irish figure Michael Collins.

The  trail includes Collins’ birthplace, West Cork Regional Museum, Michael Collins’ house, and the site of his infamous assassination in Béal na mBláth.

Speaking at the launch of the trail, Mayor Gillian Coughlain said: “The story of Michael Collins is one that is well known, but the Michael Collins Trail will be a new way of following in his footsteps.

“From the place of his birth, to where he spent his formative years, to where he met a tragic end, these new signposts will help bring history to life. This new, free historical experience will allow visitors to remember the effort and sacrifice of one of the founding fathers of the modern Irish state.”

The centenary of Collins’ death is approaching, with more commemorative events expected to be launched next year.

CEO of Cork County Council Tim Lucey said: ““Every sign on this new trail tells a unique part of the life of Michael Collins. As we move through this period of commemoration of the events that led to the foundation of our state, it is only appropriate that Michael Collins is appropriately remembered in his native West Cork.

“We look forward to there being a renewed interest in his life as we formally commemorate the centenary of his death in 2022.”