Powerscourt Estate
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Wicklow, A98 WOD0
Home to two golf courses, a luxury hotel, a Palladian-style country house, and Ireland’s highest waterfall, the 25-square-mile (64-square-kilometer) Powerscourt Estate has no shortage of attractions. The landscaped gardens, with their cascading terraces, lakes, and follies, are, however, the greatest draw to this sight in County Wicklow.
The Basics
The Powerscourt Estate is one of the top attractions in County Wicklow, south of Dublin. Prebook an entrance ticket to Powerscourt House and Gardens, where you may peruse the gardens at your leisure or with the aid of an audio guide.
Alternatively, join a day trip to Wicklow departing from Dublin city center. These tours typically stop at Powerscourt Estate; Glendalough, a scenic valley that holds the ruins of a sixth-century monastic settlement; and the picturesque village of Enniskerry. Some Wicklow day tours also make photo stops at scenic locales in the Wicklow Mountains, such as Lough Tay and the Sally Gap.
Things to Know Before You Go
Powerscourt Estate is a must for garden and plant enthusiasts.
Child- and adult-oriented audio guides are offered, though only a limited number are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, the audio tracks can be downloaded for free onto smartphones, using the estate’s free Wi-Fi.
Powerscourt Estate offers disabled parking, accessible toilets, and an accessible route through the gardens, making it suitable for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Powerscourt Estate is about 45 minutes’ drive south of Dublin city center. Dublin bus lines 185 and 44 travel between the city center and Enniskerry village, which is about 25 minutes away on foot. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to get to the estate is to come as part of a tour.
When to Get There
Among the best times to visit the gardens are spring, when camellias, magnolias, and azaleas blossom, and summer, when roses are in bloom. Autumn is alluring, with the foliage presenting an array of copper, rust, and golden shades, while winter offers its own charm, with seasonal décor at Christmas and crowd-free walking trails.
What Else to See at Powerscourt Estate
At the southern boundary of the estate sits the Powerscourt Waterfall, which rises to nearly 400 feet (120 meters) and cascades down amid the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The waterfall is 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from Powerscourt House, and it’s best to arrive by car or taxi, as there are no sidewalks along part of the route. The waterfall site features a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.
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