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Oscar Wilde House: A Glimpse into Dublin's Literary Past

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Explore the childhood home of Oscar Wilde at 1 Merrion Square, a window into Dublin's rich literary history and Georgian elegance.

Visit the childhood home of Oscar Wilde, located at 1 Merrion Square in Dublin. This historic Georgian townhouse offers a glimpse into the formative years of the renowned playwright and wit, as well as the vibrant cultural scene of Victorian Dublin.

A brief summary to Oscar Wilde House

  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Oscar Wilde House.

  • Photography is allowed, but video and audio recording are not permitted during the weekly guided tour.
  • Consider booking the guided tour in advance, as it is limited to 28 people and often sells out.
  • Visit the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square Park, located across the street from the house.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Merrion Square Park, the Oscar Wilde House is located on the north side of the square. Simply walk along the perimeter of the park until you reach the row of Georgian houses. The house is easily identifiable at 1 Merrion Square N.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve Merrion Square. Dublin Bus routes 4, 7, 7A, 15A, 15B, 15D, 19, 26, 39A, and 845 all stop near Merrion Square. Alight at a stop on Merrion Square North, South, or West. From there, it's a short walk to 1 Merrion Square N. A single adult TFI 90 Minute fare is €2 with a Leap Card.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A taxi from Dublin city center to 1 Merrion Square N will typically cost between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and the time of day. Note that there may be an extra charge of €3 for pre-booking a taxi. It is customary to tip taxi drivers around 10% of the fare.

Discover more about Oscar Wilde House

Step back in time at the Oscar Wilde House, a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse on Merrion Square, Dublin. This was the childhood home of Oscar Wilde, one of Ireland's most celebrated literary figures. The house offers a unique glimpse into Wilde's formative years and the vibrant cultural atmosphere that shaped his wit and artistry.The Wilde family resided here for over two decades, from 1855 to 1879. Oscar's father, Sir William Wilde, was a renowned eye and ear surgeon, as well as an archaeologist and travel writer. His mother, Jane Wilde, also known as Speranza, was a poet and Irish nationalist. The house was a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, with Jane hosting famous salons that attracted leading thinkers, artists, and revolutionaries.Visitors can explore the house's various rooms, including the library where Sir William Wilde wrote many of his books, the consultation room, the dining room, and the Speranza salon room. The house also features exhibits on Oscar Wilde's life and works, as well as artwork by Aubrey Beardsley.Today, the Oscar Wilde House is home to the American College Dublin. All funds raised from house visits, guided tours, and merchandise go towards the house restoration fund.
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