The Hermitage, later known as St Enda’s (the Pearse Museum), is primarily associated with the Pearse brothers and the 1916 Rising. However, the house has a much older history associated with Irish political and cultural movements which dates back to the late 18th century when the house was first built by the Hudson family.

The Hudsons, a prominent Protestant family, took a great interest in old Irish culture; some of its members were scholars and were interested in preserving ancient Gaelic manuscripts and traditional Irish music. These works were later presented to the nation for the benefit of future generations. One family member learned the Irish language. Another family member was in the United Irishmen and was arrested in 1798 and spent two years in prison. Robert Emmet was a frequent visitor to the house, and walked the grounds here with his fiancé, Sarah Curran. Emmet is also said to have taught one of the Hudson children to play the piano.

This is a very explorative tour as it tries to get the audience to imagine the lives of the colourful Hudson family living in this very intriguing house in the late 18th century. This was a much smaller house then and the tour will question the purpose of the various extensions added to it in later years. The tour will also explore the servant’s quarters down in the basement and how servants moved through the house, pointing out various unexplored tunnels.

Tour must be booked in advance at 01-493-4208.