Spirited Wales were edged out by Ireland in Dublin as the hosts kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory.
Hard-hitting Wales - who included Dragons duo Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter - impressed as they chased a first championship win since 2023.
Andy Farrell's home side ultimately dug deep to pick up the five points they needed, with tries from Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne.
Prop Rhys Carre had breathed new life into the Welsh cause with an excellent solo try to leave just two points in it at the break.
Wales further hit back through James Botham and retained hope of completing a huge shock.
However, they were condemned to a 15th successive Six Nations loss when Osborne went over for Ireland's bonus-point score.
Wales will now seek to end their tournament with a long-awaited win at home to Italy next weekend.
