Ionad an Phiarsaigh – The Pearse Centre

Making Space for Debate and Culture

In 2008, the Ireland Institute added a new hall and theatre to the premises in Pearse Street. Together, the historic house and the new hall and theatre are known as the Pearse Centre. With a capacity of about 70 and high quality sound, lighting, and projection systems, the theatre is establishing itself as a venue for the meetings and events of the Ireland Institute and other groups, as well as for dramatic and other cultural presentations.

Amongst the theatrical presentations have been Buck Jones and the Body Snatchers, which sold out at the 2009 Dublin Theatre Festival, and Wonderland’s production of Brendan Behan’s The Hostage, which was also a huge success in the same year. Buck Jones was performed in all parts of the Pearse Centre, including the first floor rooms in the Georgian house, the new theatre, and the courtyard area for a crypt scene.

Traditional and electronic music sessions have taken place in the theatre, as well as céilís, musical recitals, drama school showcases, and film shows. Both the theatre and the reception rooms in the house are used regularly by groups for rehearsal purposes. The house has hosted several art exhibitions, with the restored Georgian rooms providing a very attractive hanging space. Robert Ballagh’s Tír agus Teanga exhibition in 2001 was very popular.

In addition to its own programmes, the Ireland Institute also makes the Pearse Centre available to other groups for committee meetings and public events. The Robert Emmet Association, the Desmond Greaves School, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the People’s Movement, the Latin America Solidarity Committee, and many others have used rooms in the Pearse Centre for these purposes.