Hale Independent Issue 186

21 DECEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent TRAVEL OSCAR Wilde once famously declared: “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Now, 125 years after his death, the talk is still all about Wilde, such is the leg- acy of the famous Irish poet, playwright, novelist and cul- tural icon. From his early life in Ire- land, Wilde triumphantly rose into high society, before suffering a fall from grace, which resulted in imprison- ment, bankruptcy and death. Today he remains one of the most-quoted authors ever, his name a byword for flamboyance and whimsy. Here are just some ways to go Wilde in Ireland... TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN VISIT Trinity College Dublin, where Wilde was educated in the early 1870s after receiving a scholarship. You can even see the stu- dent residence where the young scholar lived during his formative years here. The historic Trinity cam- pus has been at the heart of Dublin life since 1592 and is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Oscar’s impact at the college lives on today, at The Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre for Irish Writing. OSCAR WILDE HOUSE, DUBLIN EXPLORE Wilde’s child- hood home at Oscar Wilde House in Dublin, a stunning Georgian-era townhouse complete with period furnishings. The chance to walk within the four walls where a young Oscar grew up with his fam- ily is simply a MUST for fans of the author. Wander all four floors of the house on your own, or hear juicy tales of Wilde’s wonderful family on a guided tour with a Wilde scholar. OSCARWILDE MONUMENT, DUBLIN ACROSS the road from Wilde’s family home in Merrion Square is a bucket list essential for Wilde lovers – the Oscar Wilde Monument by artist Danny Osborne. The life-sized statue is Going Wilde in Ireland made of semi-precious stones to reflect Oscar’s love of beau- tiful things. It sees Wilde relaxing on a huge 35-tonne quartz boulder, which came from the nearby Wick- low Mountains. Wilde, in his famous smok- ing jacket, is depicted with the right side of his face as happy, while the left side is sad – a nod to the tragic and comedic sides of the man and his writings. WILDE IRISH CHOCOLATES, COUNTY CLARE WILDE’S name lives on, not only through his mas- terworks, but also several Irish businesses who’ve taken it as inspiration. Wilde Irish Chocolates – chocolate factory tours avail- able – in County Clare creates “Wilde Moments” in the every- day with their playful range of sweet treats. On the savoury side of things, WILDE at the five- star Westbury hotel in Dub- lin is an elegant 1930s-style restaurant that Wilde himself would’ve adored. DUBLIN LITERARY PUB CRAWL THE award-winning Dub- lin Literary Pub Crawl is street theatre, history tour and night in the pub all rolled into one! Since 1988, professional actors have been regaling visitors with stories about many of Dublin’s best-loved pubs, including Victorian gems The Long Hall and The Gin Palace. Wilde is one of the foremost writers quoted throughout the night, alongside fellow Irish legends, such as James Joyce and Brendan Behan. Pint of plain and a scene from The Importance of Being Ear- nest, anyone? ULYSSES RARE BOOKS, DUBLIN PICK up rare editions of Oscar Wilde’s books that will take pride of place on your bookshelf at Ulysses Rare Books, one of Dublin’s most-cherished bookshops. This antiquarian spot is a book lover’s dream. You could spend hours perusing the stacked shelves in search of favourite authors and titles. Beckett, Heaney, Enright... all of the Irish greats are fea- tured in this cosy cornucopia of literary pleasures. THE SHELBOURNE, DUBLIN TO finish, a toast to the great man amid lavish surroundings seems only fitting. So, head to The Shelbourne in Dublin – across from pretty St Stephen’s Green – where Wilde often stayed. It’s easy to see why he loved this five-star stunner, with its timeless beauty and effortless style. In that respect, the hotel and the man are well matched. Grab a drink of choice from one of the sumptuous bars or lounges and raise a glass in memory of Wilde – 125 years gone, but never forgotten... and ALWAYS talked about, in his home of Ireland most of all. � For more information visit: www.ireland.com