Powerscourt Waterfall

The Basics

Powerscourt Waterfall sits right on the southern edge of Wicklow’s Powerscourt Estate, some miles from the main house and gardens. Access to the waterfall is on a separate ticket from the Powerscourt Gardens ticket—buy online or at the falls. Powerscourt Waterfall tickets are affordably priced, with discounts for children under 13 and good-value family packages (under-2s get in free).

Most travelers visit the Powerscourt Waterfall while exploring the Powerscourt Estate. Tours of the estate generally set out from Dublin, less than an hour’s drive away, and often include Glendalough. Some travelers visit as part of a wider Wicklow Mountains tour that includes both the Powerscourt Gardens and the falls.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Powerscourt Waterfall is a good option for photographers, nature lovers, and families.

• The snack kiosk is only open during the summer peak and on weekends with good weather. You can make like a local and bring a picnic—or even a barbecue.

• The Powerscourt Waterfall has accessible bathrooms and wheelchair-friendly parking. There is wheelchair access to many areas around the falls.

How to Get There

The Powerscourt Waterfall sits on the farthest edge of the Powerscourt Estate, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Enniskerry. There’s no public transport and the roads are narrow, with no sidewalks, so your best options are to drive or join a tour. The estate is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Dublin.

When to Get There

The Powerscourt Waterfall is open for most of the year, with an extended closure around Christmas. During summer, it’s open from morning into the evening; in low season and in winter, hours are significantly reduced. Like other falls, the Powerscourt Waterfall is at its best after heavy rain. Avoid visiting on weekends or public holidays to beat the crowds.

The Powerscourt Estate

Recognized as one of the world’s great houses, the Powerscourt Estate is Wicklow’s most visited attraction. It spans an impressive 25 square miles (64 square kilometers), including 50 acres (20 hectares) of landscaped gardens. These open to the public during spring, summer, and fall. Most of the mansion is off-limits to the public, but the grounds now house two golf courses and a hotel in addition to the gardens.