Oscar Wilde’s House

Welcome to one of Dublin’s many cultural landmarks! This Georgian building opposite Merrion Square is where Oscar Wilde used to live. It is now both a museum and home to the prestigious American College Dublin, renowned for its courses in drama and creative writing.
If you’re intrigued by Oscar Wilde’s colorful character and curious to learn more about him and his family, why not visit his house? Interestingly, this place was already well-known even before it saw the birth of one of Ireland’s most famous writers! Indeed, Oscar’s parents, William and Jane, were prominent Dubliners in their own right. Jane was a poet, writer, and translator fluent in six languages, while William was a distinguished surgeon with a keen interest in archaeology, travel, and literature. He was close friends with none other than Bram Stoker, creator of the world’s most famous vampire: Dracula. But it was Jane who made this house so reputated in Dublin. For nearly twenty years, she hosted weekly gatherings where artists, musicians, poets, politicians, and philosophers came together to exchange ideas and reshape the world. A passionate nationalist, she was an Irish heroine for her revolutionary poetry and writings. We can now guess who Oscar Wilde got his sharp wit from! Growing up in this house, his mind was constantly stimulated by intellectual debates and forward-thinking minds around him. Feel free to step inside and explore if you wish, before continuing our tour.