Pádraig Pearse’s former holiday home in Ros Muc, Co Galway, was restored by Ó Conghaile and then again by Criostóir Mac Aonghusa, by 1943 Pearse’s sisters Senator Margaret Pearse and Mary Brigid Pearse handed the cottage to the State. A new visitor centre, Teach an Phiarsaigh, next to Pearse’s Cottage provides an introduction to the Irish language, Gaeltacht culture, and Pearse’s connection to Ros Muc.

Between 1903 and 1915 he spent a lot of time in Ros Muc and his knowledge of the Irish language greatly improved. Pádraig Pearse was born in Dublin in 1879. He was a schoolteacher. He wrote many short stories, for example: “Sean-Mhaitias”, “Na Boithri” and “An Mhathair”. He also wrote poetry, for example: “Bean tSleibhe ag Caoineadh a Mhic” and “Miana mo Chroi”. Life and customs in Ros Muc at that time are reflected in his writings. It was in Ros Muc that he wrote his famous oration given at the grave of Ó Donnabháin Rosa (O’Donovan Rossa) in 1915, which included the immortal words ” … but, the fools, the fools, the fools! — They have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.”

Ros Muc has had a long-term relationship with Coláiste na bhFiann, as it provides host accommodation for students learning Irish during the summer months.