Oscar Wilde House (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Oscar Wilde House?
A solo traveler can linger over period rooms, read the multi-language sheets, and watch the short film quietly; limited size and lack of café slightly reduce its all-day appeal.
Positives:
- Flexible pacing: Self-guided sheets let you spend extra time in rooms you enjoy.
- Multilingual guides: Tour sheets are available in several major languages.
Challenges:
- Narrow staircases: Original Georgian stairs are steep; wear comfortable shoes.
- Limited seating: The screening room has few seats; arrive early for a spot.
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 solo trip?
- Explore the only surviving Wilde childhood home restored with period furnishings
- Watch a concise family documentary to deepen your visit
- Enjoy self-paced discovery with clear tour sheets
- Combine your visit with a photo stop at the nearby statue and park
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Gives enough time for the self-guided tour, documentary screening, and a stroll to the nearby statue.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Oscar Wilde House
Self-guided house tour:
Explore all four floors with multilingual tour sheets.
Tip: Arrive at opening to enjoy rooms without crowds.
20-minute documentary screening:
Watch the short film on Wilde’s family life.
Tip: See the film first to orient yourself before touring.
Saturday storytelling tour:
Join a 90-minute guided tour with anecdotes and Q&A.
Tip: Book online in advance to secure your spot.
Oscar Wilde statue & park walk:
Visit the life-size bronze statue and walk Merrion Square Park.
Tip: Bring a notebook or book to enjoy on a bench.
When is the best time to visit Oscar Wilde House (Dublin, Ireland)?
In spring and summer, visit early to see flower beds and avoid heat. In winter, check updated opening hours before you go.
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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission ticket | EUR 12 |
| Coffee at cafe | EUR 4 |
| Optional guided tour | EUR 25 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 41 |
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
- Download tour sheets: Get the PDF from the website to read background info ahead.
- Arrive at opening: Early visits avoid peak visitor groups and free spots in the screening room.
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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