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Powerscourt House & Gardens: A Majestic Estate in Wicklow

Discover the beauty and history of Powerscourt Estate, a stunning Irish landmark with magnificent gardens and a grand Palladian house.

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Powerscourt Estate, nestled in County Wicklow, Ireland, is a sprawling country estate renowned for its stunning house and meticulously landscaped gardens. Originally a 13th-century castle, the house was transformed into a grand mansion in the 18th century. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the Avoca Terrace Café, and discover unique shops.

A brief summary to Powerscourt House & Gardens

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the estate involves a lot of walking, especially if visiting from the bus stop in the village.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the gardens are exposed to the elements.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the gardens fully.
  • Consider visiting during spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom.
  • Carers accompanying people with disabilities are entitled to free entry to the gardens.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the Dublin Bus route 44 directly to Enniskerry village. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. From Enniskerry village, it's about a 20-minute uphill walk to Powerscourt Estate. Alternatively, take the DART train to Bray, then transfer to the L15 bus to Enniskerry. A single bus fare is approximately €3.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Dublin city center, a taxi or ride-share to Powerscourt Estate takes approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €40-€50 for the trip. There is ample parking available at Powerscourt.

  • Driving

    From Dublin, take the N11 southbound and exit at Bray South/Enniskerry (Exit 7). Follow signs for Enniskerry village, then take the road to the left of the clock tower in the village square. Continue up the steep hill for 600m; the entrance to Powerscourt is on the right. There is ample free parking available. Electric car charging stations are also available.

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Discover more about Powerscourt House & Gardens

Powerscourt Estate, located near Enniskerry in County Wicklow, is a testament to Ireland's rich history and natural beauty. The estate spans 47 acres and features a magnificent house and meticulously landscaped gardens. The story of Powerscourt begins with a medieval castle established by the Anglo-Norman de Paor family, whose name was anglicized to Power, hence Powerscourt. The castle's strategic location controlled access to the Dargle, Glencree, and Glencullen rivers. In the 18th century, Richard Wingfield, the 1st Viscount Powerscourt, commissioned German architect Richard Cassels to transform the castle into a grand Palladian-style mansion, completed in 1741. The gardens at Powerscourt were developed in two main phases. The first phase began in the 18th century alongside the house's redesign, while the second phase occurred in the 19th century under architect Daniel Robertson, who incorporated Italianate garden design elements. The gardens feature terraces, statues, ornamental lakes, and various trees and flowers. Noteworthy gardens include the Italian Garden, Walled Garden, Japanese Garden, and Tower Valley. In 1974, a fire destroyed the house, leaving it a shell until its renovation in 1996. Today, Powerscourt Estate is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the gardens, shop for Irish goods, and dine at the Avoca Terrace Café. The estate also features a golf course and the Powerscourt Distillery.

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