A Walk on "The Wilder" Side

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 12 September 2020 - 11 minutes

Just a five minute stroll from St. Stephen’s Green, in the heart of fashionable Dublin 2, the building that has now evolved to become The Wilder Boutique Townhouse was originally constructed circa 1878, during the Victorian era, the same period that Oscar Wilde resided in Dublin. Its original use was a “Home for Retired Governesses” and there is also historical reference to it being a “Home for Bewildered Women”. The beautiful red brick façade is typical of the period of Victorian Dublin.
In 2016 the property was purchased and given a new lease of life by current owners Frankie & Josephine Whelehan and it re-opened its doors as The Wilder Townhouse in 2018. A member of Ireland's Blue Book, Conde Nast Johansens & Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels - I loved my stay here and they are doing some great Autumn deals from €159 for two people with a yummy breakfast and two welcome cocktails. Newman the cocktail waiter is a great character and made us some wonderful Wexford Gin cocktails. Barry Francis the GM and Alannah really know how to make you feel welcome and the townhouse has a wonderful intimacy about it but yet the rooms are spacious and wonderfully appointed. The Wilder is a sister hotel to the lovely Montenotte Hotel in Cork. We went to visit the Museum of Literature Ireland - a 15 minute walk, for a wonderful few hours and they also have a lovely garden and cafe. Dinner in the wonderful L'Ecrivain that evening was just the icing on the cake. Thanks to Sophie and the team at Ireland's Blue Book for arranging a really memorable weekend. Dublin hotels in particular are finding it tough at the moment so I would encourage people to support them by booking some nice autumn stays - For more details visit www.thewilder.ie & www.irelands-blue-book.ie