BOOK DIRECT AT: 353.01.969.6598
Uncover the captivating history of The Wilder Townhouse, from its 1839 Victorian origins to its magnificent modern restoration, and see how our storied past continues to inspire our present.
Dating back to 1839, the building on Adelaide Road has long been part of Dublin’s evolving cityscape.
Constructed during the Victorian era, a period marked by significant development across Ireland, the house was originally built by the Church of Ireland as a residence for retired governesses. At a time when many women stepped away from their roles as early as 40, it offered a place of independence and quiet community, with individual apartments and fireplaces throughout the house, that still feature as key focal point in guestrooms today. Historical references also describe it as a “Home for Bewildered Women”, a detail that continues to add to its character.
Located a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green, the original house stood within a city shaped by the same era that influenced figures such as Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats.
The red-brick façade, characteristic of Victorian Dublin, remains a defining feature today. An extension was added to the north east in circa 1895, followed by a further addition to the east in circa 1930, allowing the building to evolve alongside the city.
Over time, the property has taken on a number of roles, including a retirement home and later an artists’ studio. The surrounding area has long been associated with Dublin’s cultural life, with nearby Harcourt Terrace home to Micheál MacLiammóir and Hilton Edwards, founders of the Gate Theatre.
In 2016, the property was acquired by its current owners, Frankie and Josephine Whelehan, and underwent an extensive €9.5 million restoration. Reopened in 2018 as The Wilder Townhouse, the building was carefully reimagined, bringing together its historic structure with a more contemporary design approach.
Today, The Wilder Townhouse honours its legacy through considered details, including the Lady Jane Suite, which takes its name from the former restaurant once housed within the building, as The Wilder Townhouse continues to welcome today’s discerning guests from all corners of the world.
