Birthplace of Padraig Pearse converted into theatre space

The Dublin birthplace of icon Padraig Pearse which has suffered decades of neglect is now the site of a new city centre theatre space.

The leader of the 1916 Rising was born in the terraced house on Dublin’s Pearse Street in 1879, but by the 1990s the building was close to collapse before campaigners began restoration work.

The latest phase of renovations by the Ireland Institute to restore the forgotten landmark has now seen the opening of a new theatre on land at the rear of the former Pearse family home.

The Institute’s administrator, Finbar Cullen, said it was hoped the new Pearse Centre would be a venue for political debate, with its 75-seat theatre providing a place for small scale drama projects.

“We see it as a living centre for progressive republican thinking, for historical discussions, for performance, or cultural events – the whole range,” he said.

“We see a range of groups using the centre.

“It has been slow, hard work to get to this stage. The place was falling apart when we took it over.

“At one stage during the renovation, stilts had to be used to support the upper floors to prevent them from collapsing.

“Now we are looking forward to finding ways of connecting the Pearse Centre with people.”

The artist Robert Ballagh is president of the Ireland Institute which promotes the international ideals of republicanism, but has no links to political parties.

The Institute has its headquarters in the former Pearse family home which it acquired in 1996.

The Pearses lived in the building, where they also ran their business as one of Ireland’s leading monumental sculptors.

The major renovation work that saved 27 Pearse Street was carried out with financial help from government.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern performed the official opening ceremony for the renovated Pearse family home in July 2000.

The new Pearse Centre at the rear of the site was officially opened in a ceremony on Saturday.

It will now host a lecture series on Ireland in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, beginning on April 10 with a talk by Northern Ireland political commentator Brian Feeney.

For further details the Ireland Institute can be contacted on [phone].