Explore the life and genius of Oscar Wilde in Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is marking the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s death in 2025 with a new exhibition about the writer’s life.

‘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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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, named for the writer.

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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