When I was in Dublin in the Spring, I revisited the Pearse Museum - a trip I had made previously over 20 years ago. I only had a cloudy memory of the place and wanted to see how it had developed and grown since the 1990s.
Much has been written and discussed about Patrick Pearse, a writer, educationalist and revolutionary, most famously known for his part in the 1916 Easter Rebellion against the British Empire. He read the proclamation of the Republic outside the GPO and was chosen as its first president.
However, he was much more than solely his iconic rebel image would suggest.
Pearse was a talented man - a writer, poet, songwriter, linguist, barrister, educationalist and Headmaster of his own school - St. Enda's. He established the school in 1910 at the historic and stunning location of The Hermitage, Rathfarnham, and this is where the museum dedicated to his life and work stands today.
Walking up the long sweep of the gravel drive, the imposing building came into view. The wonderfully authentic element of the museum is that it is actually where Patrick Pearse lived and worked, so stepping inside there is a genuine atmosphere.
Greeted by a welcoming assistant on reception, I wandered freely - able to take photographs and enjoy the mood of the place.
The first room held memorabilia of a young Patrick and his family. There were pictures and a slide show showing his parents and siblings, and a (prophetic) photograph of Patrick as a little boy holding a toy gun.
Down the corridors, there were display boards of enlarged photographs of Pearse at various times in his life - Pearse the barrister in legal robes and another in his academic gown as Headmaster. One of my favourite rooms was one in semi darkness, showing a short film about Pearse; his school, his ideas and the Irish countryside he loved. The commentary accompanying the flickering images was a mixture of his poetry, speeches and his own thoughts about his life. I stood mesmerised for several minutes!
In the other downstairs rooms, there was an old newsreel of Pearse addressing a funeral at Glasnevin in 1915. On another display panel was his last letter to his mother before his execution in 1916. A poignant testament to his love and courage.
Going upstairs, his living quarters remained beautifully preserved. Artwork adorned the walls, there were shelves of his books and even the cup and saucer he used were on view. In his study, his desk was standing by the window strewn with books and papers. It looked like he had just left the room and would reappear at any moment! This was where one could really feel his presence.
Upstairs, there was an art gallery featuring several pieces by Patrick's brother, William, and the school dormitory maintained exactly as it had been over a century ago.
After my wanderings, I headed for the cafe. On the way I walked through the lovely grounds where the former pupils had been encouraged to cultivate the garden and passed a classroom full of eclectic objects. Pearse's educational mission was to inspire, develop enquiring minds and instill a love of learning. This was a radical approach to schooling in the early 1900s and St. Enda's must have offered an innovative and stimulating education to its pupils.
I departed that drizzly April morning thrilled with my visit. The museum was very well curated and the narrative of Patrick's life flowed harmoniously from room to room. Crammed with fascinating artefacts, this is a must visit for anyone interested in the Irish revolutionary period.
I came away more convinced than ever that Patrick Pearse was a truly exceptional and accomplished man.
Admission is free. The number 16 bus from O'Connell Street stops directly outside St. Enda's park. For more details and visitor information the website is http://www.pearsemuseum.ie
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Nicola is a librarian with a long time interest in history and politics.