Powerscourt House and Gardens: A Transporting Dublin Daytrip
Located in scenic Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Powerscourt Estate, featuring Powerscourt House and Gardens, is just 30 minutes from Dubin City Center, but a world apart from the city’s rush and energy. Situated on over 40 acres with adjacent golf course and Ritz Carlton Hotel, Powerscourt House and Gardens, and beautiful waterfall, attract visitors from across the globe as well as just down the road.
From 13th century castle to a modern must-see outdoor destination, Powerscourt Estate is a Dublin daytripper’s breath of fresh air.
Once a fortification for a 13th century baron, Powerscourt was renovated several times by its aristocratic owners, each seeking to improve on the estate – from a mid-18th century Palladian façade, to extensive ornamental gardens installed over a period of two decades in the late 19th century.
Following a gutting fire in 1974, the estate was left in ruin until 1996 when the current owners again renovated the property. While the sumptuous gardens, fountains and woodland walks were restored in their fullest Italianate glory, the house was repurposed as a visitor’s center and upmarket shopping venue – featuring several boutique home-décor studios as well as an Avoca Handweavers restaurant, foodhall and shop.
Visitors to the estate are treated to the property’s expansive views of County Wicklow’s Sugarloaf Mountain and surrounding forests. The terraced main gardens step gracefully down to a huge water feature, complete with leaping dolphins and King Triton himself. Below, explorers sink into cool copses of bamboo and pine, following the estate’s pathways to a small pet cemetery, then meandering to an exquisite Japanese garden best experienced in the autumn. Following the estate’s tracks back up the sloping property, the Pepperpot tower – a folly built in tribute to a favorite piece of tableware– is a must for more incredible views of the woodlands and fields that unfold below the estate.
For those less inclined to walk, the in-house Avoca cafe offers tea with a view, serving soups, sandwiches and its famous desserts. While the gardens themselves do require paid admission, visitors may soak up the views free of charge from the wide windows of the Avoca café, or on its outdoor patio perched at the edge of the garden’s stunning main terraces.
Today a favorite picnic spot, the Powerscourt Waterfall has thrilled visitors for over 200 years. Open practically year 'round, the estate’s related waterfall (though no longer directly connected to the main property) is ideal for small visitors with energy to burn, or for anyone looking to cool off in one of Ireland’s rare heatwaves. A durable and engaging play space has been set-aside for younger visitors, and barbecuing areas are available.
HelloDublin Tip: Admission to the waterfalls is separate to the main gardens; however, joint tickets are available online and at ticket outlets.
Posted on Mar 28, 2011 by Bridget Reilly
