The Wilder Townhouse
Victorian townhouse meets Art Deco city club. Intimate, residents-only, and a little literary — it pays quiet homage to Oscar Wilde, the neighborhood's most famous former resident. Think velvet armchairs, curated Irish art, and a Gin & Tea Rooms that takes its craft spirits seriously.
Book directly on the official website — the hotel advertises savings of ~€30/night versus OTAs
Why It Matters
Ireland's only property simultaneously featured in all three prestigious collections: Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ireland's Blue Book, and Mr & Mrs Smith. It holds a One Michelin Key. The building dates to 1878 and has a genuinely compelling history — it was a home for governesses, then an artists' studio, before becoming the hotel it is today.
A handsome red-brick Victorian townhouse on a quiet residential street in Dublin 2, just a 5-minute walk from St. Stephen's Green. The Wilder opened in 2018 after a careful restoration by owners Frankie and Jo Whelehan, who turned a former 'Home for Retired Governesses' (built circa 1878) into 42 individually styled rooms and suites. The design takes its cues from Art Deco and a city-club sensibility — jewel-toned velvet chairs, polished parquet floors, House of Hackney wallpaper in the bar, and a rotating collection of Irish art throughout. Residents-only access keeps the atmosphere quiet and genuinely club-like.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Accessible Room
Thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. At 20 sqm with a king bed, assistance alarm, velvet blackout blinds, and an en-suite with a rainforest shower fitted with accessible bathroom fittings. Must be booked directly with the hotel.
King · 20 sqm
Deluxe Room
At 20–24 sqm, these are the largest standard rooms in the house. Some have a freestanding bath alongside the rainforest shower. High ceilings and original sash windows make them feel properly spacious. Bathrobes included — a step up from the lower categories.
King or Two Singles · 22 sqmPopular Room
The most frequently booked category and a solid choice for business or leisure. Ranging 17–22 sqm with a king bed (twin available on request), these hit the sweet spot between value and comfort with a walk-in rainforest shower.
5' King (twin option on request) · 20 sqmShoebox
The smallest room in the house and the name is not ironic. At 12 sqm, these overlook Adelaide Road and are genuinely compact — but high ceilings and clever design keep them from feeling like a cupboard. Good for solo travelers or couples who plan to spend most of their time out in the city. En-suite with a walk-in rainforest shower.
4'6" Double · 12 sqmSmall
Honestly compact but well thought-out. At 14–16 sqm, these have a proper king-size bed and the same rainforest shower found throughout the property. Ideal for short stays where the room is just a comfortable base.
5' King · 15 sqmSuite
From 35 sqm, these are the property's showpiece rooms. Original Victorian features — decorative cornices, high ceilings, original sash windows — sit alongside silk ottomans, a separate living area with sofa and armchairs, and a luxury bathroom with both a freestanding bath and overhead shower. The Lady Jane Suite tops out at 540 sq ft (50 sqm). Proper splurge territory.
6' Super King · 40 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Every guest receives a complimentary G&T on arrival, served in the Gin & Tea Rooms. Accompanied by olives and candied nuts. Sets the tone for the stay immediately.
The Wilder maintains an eclectic library paying tribute to Dublin's literary heritage and Oscar Wilde's legacy. Guests are free to browse and read throughout their stay.
A lantern-lit outdoor terrace adjoining the Garden Room and Gin & Tea Rooms. Perfect for a glass of wine or a cheese board in fine weather. Seasonal — best May through September.
Each evening the room is refreshed and a chocolate treat is left alongside a booklet of 42 original poems by The Wilder's Poet in Residence, Paul Yates. One of the more distinctive turndown touches in Irish hospitality.
The front desk team maintains relationships with nearby neighborhood restaurants for both indoor and outdoor dining. Guests can contact stay@thewilder.ie to arrange dinner reservations at partner restaurants.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Business centre with fax machine and photocopier available for guests.
A private garden and al-fresco terrace accessible from the Garden Room. Weather-dependent — best in summer.
Entirely smoke-free premises. Outdoor designated smoking areas available — ask the front desk.
Limited on-site parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cannot be reserved in advance. Street parking on Adelaide Road is free from 7pm–7am and all day Sunday.
There is no swimming pool on property.
There is no fitness centre or gym on property.
BUILD YOUR THE WILDER TOWNHOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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