Sam Maguire’s name is well known from the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) All Ireland Senior Football trophy which was presented in his memory to the association in 1928 by his friends in Ireland and England. As well as being involved in the GAA, he was also a significant figure in the cause of Irish freedom and was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

At the Sam Maguire Visitor Experience visitors will be given a guided tour of St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, where Sam Maguire’s grave can be found. Visitors also have the opportunity to ring a few tunes on the Sam Maguire Community Bells which were installed in St. Mary’s Church in 2017, to remember him 90 years after his death. Each of the bells is dedicated to a different theme, through which the story of Sam and his hometown of Dunmanway in County Cork is told.

There is also an interactive video which explains Sam’s life story, the purpose of the bells, how they were installed and the connection with the GAA.

This visitor experience is suitable for people of all ages and an activity sheet for primary age children is available.

There is no charge for visiting St. Mary’s Church or Sam Maguire’s grave. Fees only apply to the guided tour, ringing the Sam Maguire Community Bells and the use of the interactive video.