The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin, Ireland

The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin, Ireland

Set on fashionable Dublin 2’s Adelaide Road, The Wilder Townhouse is among the postcode’s most coveted boutique hotels, with handsome design, literary leanings and an art-deco style bar perfect for an evening tipple.



Originally
built in 1878 as a Home for Retired Governesses, The
Wilder Townhouse reopened on Dublin 2’s Adelaide Road in 2018 after
an extensive refurbishment. Post-sprucing, the three-story,
russet-red-brick, Victorian listed building has become one of the
city’s most sought-after boutique hotels.

With an artisanal gin bar, spacious suites and literary
leanings, The Wilder Townhouse is somewhere most would be only too
glad to retire – governess, or otherwise.

Rooms

All 42 accommodations, ranging from “Shoebox” rooms (perfect for
solo excursions) to roomy suites with separate living and sleeping
areas, come with their own en-suite bathroom (fully stocked with
Replica by Maison Martin Margiela Paris products and complete with
marble sinks, mosaic flooring and walk-in rain showers). Of the
hotel’s four suites – each named after famous governesses from
history: Lady Jane, Miss Wade, Miss Sharp and Lady Audley – room
108, the Lady Jane Suite, stands out. Far from plain, this pad is
bedecked with period fixtures, including a handsome fireplace and
floor-to-ceiling windows. Berry-hued velvet armchairs and a
sinkable, Matthew-Williamson patterned sofa make a strong case for
staying in – particularly with piles of coffee-table books to peel
through, two TVs and an endless supply of complimentary choc-chip
cookies ideal for dunking into your (Barry’s) tea.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served, weather permitting, on the lovely private
terrace from 7am to 11am – so whether you’re a total sloth or
something of an early bird, your needs will be met. If the sun is
not on your side, the Garden Room is an equally appealing place to
start the day. The space spreads over two rooms, in which
marble-topped breakfast tables are decorated with small bouquets of
wildflowers that echo those in the taller vases at the centre of
buffet and vibrant tropical wallpaper panels flank raspberry-hued
banquettes. When it comes to food, the continental breakfast,
priced at €14.50, includes hot porridge alongside an assortment of
fruits, mueslis and patisserie, and is sure to keep you full until
lunchtime. For something a little heartier, opt for the cooked
breakfast and take your pick from a decadent roll call of eggs
royale, smashed avocado on toast or the Wilder crepes – served with
a side of fruit compote and maple syrup. The full Irish – two eggs
to your liking, Clonakilty sausages, back-bacon, black and white
pudding, field mushrooms and vine tomatoes – is also a winning
choice.

How about lunch and dinner?

There’s no official dining room, so guests are limited to a bar
snacks menu for sustenance. While homemade soups, tasty sandwiches
and cheese and charcuterie boards are far from beggar’s pickings,
those after a more substantial meal should head to nearby Delahunt
or Rolys.

Is there a bar?

Is the Pope Catholic? The Gin and Tea Rooms – an art-deco
inspired nook – is the perfect place for an artisanal evening
tipple, plus, as the Wilder is residents-only, you can be assured
of a seat at the bar – or a spot on the velvet couches by the
fireside.

Amenities

Does free WiFi count?

Things I should know

Complimentary parking is available, but limited.

Within a short walk I can find…

Stroll along the Grand Canal towpath on a Sunday or, for a more
active weekend stroll, head up towards St Stephen’s Green – a
five-minute walk from The Wilder Town House.