To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde's death why not explore Dublin, a city that played a vital role in shaping Wilde’s life and work? Here, Tourism Ireland highlights key locations and exhibitions around Dublin where you can immerse yourself in Wilde’s world and deepen your appreciation for his enduring genius.
Oscar Wilde is one of the most celebrated figures in Irish literature, renowned for his wit, flamboyant style, and profound insights into human nature. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde’s works such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" remain timeless classics, blending sharp social commentary with sparkling humor. Wilde’s ability to challenge societal norms and explore themes of identity, morality, and beauty has cemented his place as a literary icon, not only in Ireland but across the world.
Dublin was the cradle of Wilde’s creativity and intellectual development. Born at 21 Westland Row, he grew up in a household that prized intellectual achievement and artistic expression. His mother, Jane Wilde, was a prominent nationalist poet, and his father, Sir William Wilde, was a distinguished surgeon and writer. This rich cultural environment provided Wilde with the foundation for his literary and artistic pursuits.
As a young man, Wilde attended Trinity College Dublin, where he excelled academically and won the prestigious Berkeley Gold Medal for his achievements in classics.
It's fitting therefore that in 2025 Trinity College Dublin will host a new exhibition about Wilde's life.
"From Decadence to Despair"
"From Decadence to Despair" charts the rise and fall of Oscar Wilde through personal photographs, memorabilia, letters, trade cards and theatre programs taken from Trinity College’s Oscar Wilde collection. They will be on display in the university’s famous Long Room until 29 January and access to the exhibition will be included in a ticket to the Book of Kells Experience.
The Oscar Wilde Center at Trinity College Dublin.
Highlights of the exhibition include a set of beautifully illustrated commercial trade cards inspired by Wilde’s famous “aesthetic tour” of America in 1882, a letter to his Classics professor in Trinity complementing him as “my first and best teacher”, and an ink caricature of the famous satirist.
The physical exhibition is complemented by a wider digital collection available to view online as part of the Virtual Trinity Library.
Wilde is one of Trinity College’s most famous alumni and one of Dublin’s most famous sons. Elsewhere in the city, he is celebrated in a number of venues.
Oscar Wilde House
Inside Oscar Wilde House on Merrion Square.
Oscar Wilde House in Merrion Square was the Wilde family home, renowned as a center of culture in Victorian Dublin. Guided tours of the house are available every Saturday when you will hear the astounding story of the Wilde family. Or wander through the four floors to discover the history for yourself.
Dublin’s Talking Statues
A statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square Park.
Also in Merrion Square is a statue of the writer in languid repose. This is one of Dublin’s Talking Statues and using your phone you can listen to Wilde ‘speaking’ words that were written by author John Banville and spoken by actor Andrew Scott.
Ulysses Rare Books
Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street is a book lover’s paradise where you can see unique editions of Wilde’s most famous works, including a beautifully illustrated version of the writer’s controversial play Salomé, and a rare 19th-century copy of his first novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
On a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, you will hear about Wilde’s life and work and be entertained by actors reading extracts from his novels and plays and from the work of other great Irish literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett and Yeats.
Shelbourne Hotel
The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephen's Green.
One of Wilde’s favorite Dublin haunts was the historic Shelbourne Hotel so you can follow in his footsteps and drop in for a drink or meal there. Alternatively enjoy a meal surrounded by 1930s vintage glamour at the Wilde restaurant, in the Westbury Mall, named for the writer.
Oscariana
Later in the year, Dublin will stage the third Oscariana festival celebrating the life and legacy of Wilde. The festival includes performances of his plays, lectures, music, films and tours.
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