“He was like a common gardener walking with a rose.” Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Join actor and writer Caoimhe Lavelle to explore the places and spaces that shaped the lives of Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, two of Dublin’s most iconic literary figures.

This 90-minute guided walk is designed by Wilde’s Women author Eleanor Fitzsimons. The tour shines a light on the connections between Wilde and Stoker, taking in famous and historic spots associated with these literary greats. It ends at the Wilde memorial statue – he gazes at his former home, where Stoker was a regular visitor.

Oscar Wilde was born at 21 Westland Row and spent his childhood at 1 Merrion Square. His parents’ social connections ensured that he mixed with the most interesting people living in or passing through the city. Bram Stoker was born in Clontarf and moved into the city centre at the age of 11. Bram Stoker knew the Wilde family well, spending Christmas with them in 1875. Relations between the two men even survived Stoker’s 1878 marriage to Wilde’s former girlfriend, Florence Balcombe. Both were undergraduates at Trinity.

Meeting Point: Hippocampus Statue, Merrion Square Park. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before your tour start time.

Ending Point: Oscar Wilde Memorial Statue, Merrion Square East.

Supported by Trinity College Dublin.