Oscar Wilde House (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Oscar Wilde House?
Babies are not banned, yet there is no lift, stroller storage, nursing room, or changing table; parents must carry the infant up narrow stairs and plan nappy changes elsewhere.
Positives:
- Quiet Interiors: The restored rooms are calm and dimly lit, ideal for soothing your baby if they start to nap.
- Stroller-friendly Park Paths: Smooth paths around the square let you wheel your stroller easily and rest on benches.
Challenges:
- No Baby Facilities Inside: There are no changing tables, nursing rooms, or stroller storage; bring your own supplies.
- Narrow Doorways and Stairs: You must carry your baby through tight spaces; the house lacks ramps and lifts.
What is Oscar Wilde House?
- A restored Georgian townhouse on Merrion Square North that served as Oscar Wilde's childhood home from 1855 to 1878
- A well-preserved example of mid-19th century Irish domestic architecture featuring original period furnishings and decorative details
- A heritage property that preserves the early living environment of the poet and playwright Oscar Wilde
What is so special about Oscar Wilde House for with baby?
- Self-guided tour through Wilde’s Georgian childhood home at your own pace.
- Inclusive 20-minute family documentary on site with no extra charge.
- Baby swings and stroller-friendly paths in adjacent Merrion Square Park.
- Convenient statue photo spot for fun family memories.
- Calm environment and quiet rooms help soothe a napping baby.
Note: Oscar Wilde House is 36% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Dublin for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for a slow self-guided tour, the documentary, and park play breaks for your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Oscar Wilde House
Self-guided house tour:
Explore four floors of Wilde’s childhood home with original Georgian rooms and period furnishings.
Tip: Fold your stroller at reception and carry your baby through narrow doorways.
Family documentary screening:
Watch a 20-minute film on Wilde’s early life in the small screening room included with admission.
Tip: Sit near the aisle for quick exits if your baby gets restless.
Merrion Square playground:
Let your baby enjoy the basket and baby swings on the wooden-chipped play area next to the house.
Tip: Bring a soft mat and toys; the play area is free and shaded by trees.
Statue photo stop & stroll:
Take a stroller-friendly walk to the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square Park for a fun family photo.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and capture a clear shot with the statue.
When is the best time to visit Oscar Wilde House (Dublin, Ireland)?
Visit on weekdays in summer mornings to enjoy cooler rooms and quieter playtime. In winter, bring warm layers for the unheated house interiors and use nearby cafes for nappy changes.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Oscar Wilde House (Dublin)
C. K.
Couldn't resist. The €12 price is a bit steep, but knowing it goes to charity makes it easier to digest. The 10 minute video was a nice overall of Wilde's life, good and factual details. The house is okay, but visitors must tap into their imagination to visualize how the rooms looked during Wilde time. Not a waste of 40 minutes, but would've like a little more to show how Wilde lived.
Bala Vinayagam
I couldn’t resist the temptation to visit my favorite author’s house, and the Oscar Wilde House at 1 Merrion Square didn’t disappoint! Just opposite the colorful Wilde monument in the park, this well-maintained Georgian gem is a perfect 30-minute stop if you have time. The guided tour, with its passionate guide and insightful video, vividly brings to life the Wilde family’s history, from Lady Jane...
Ivan Shterev
I’m truly grateful and honored to have attended the talk on Oscar Wilde, delivered by Martin. He spoke with such passion and insight that everyone in the room was completely captivated. His presentation skills and commitment were nothing short of world-class. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—unforgettable and deeply inspiring. So if you have the chance, definitely get the guided tour!
Kseniia Kravchenko
Fine place, but lots of things that would make a great museum out of it are replaced or not put effort into. Great video about Wilde’s life, but the house is quite empty in my opinion.
Shelley C
This is the house that Oscar lived in from 1855 to 1879. If you are taking a tour, you can pre-book online. If you are self-guiding, you have to purchase the ticket at the house. The latter method is a lot cheaper. At the start, there is a short video about the Wilde family. Then you have access to each floor of the house. You are provided with a leaflet that contains information about each of the...
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 x €12) | EUR 24 |
| Refreshment at café | EUR 6 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Oscar Wilde House
- Contact Ahead: Email wildehousetours@gmail.com before your visit to confirm any updated baby access details.
- Use Nearby Cafes: Plan nappy changes and nursing sessions at nearby cafes or in park public restrooms.
- Time Your Visit: Arrive when the house opens at 10 AM to get staff help with stroller storage options.
Map of Oscar Wilde House
Address: American College, 1 Merrion Square N, Dublin, D02 NH98, Ireland
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About Oscar Wilde House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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