Irish charms: bedding down in a delightful Dublin townhouse

When it comes to quiet, storied Dublin boutique chic, The Wilder Townhouse has no competition. A glowing red-brick demi palace, it’s a quirky spot point blank in the middle of one of the city’s most charming roads and offers an excellent dose of zen away from the bustle of the Irish capital, and well, the rest of the world.

THE LOWDOWN

Rewind a few years back and The Wilder first began life as a home for retired governesses who, like many do now, basked in all the glories of this gaff’s exuberant Victorian charm. Aside from all the mod-cons — bling portraiture, flashy lights and designer easels — much of the house has retained its small luxury period laurels: exceptionally high ceilings, dramatic joinery and all the deliciously bright interiors in between. While there’s a touch of the now at The Wilder, the hotel prides itself on its dandy past hidden away on the rather cutesy and coveted Adelaide Street. The result? Boutique chic that oozes character, and on the somewhat eclectic side, too.

THE FOOD & DRINK?

All the minibars are stocked with Irish-made products, and much of the same goes for the hearty breakfast served in the very bright and residents-only Garden Room. The continental spread is part of the deal with a central table stacked high with cereals, pastries, granola, homemade breads and more. On the menu, all the usual suspects make an appearance from light and fluffy pancakes to eggs cooked-to-order and a good helping of Irish smoked salmon.

Past 10pm, expect hearty soups, sarnies, posh cheeseboards, and as we are in Ireland, plenty of booze in the form of fancy cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

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