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Powerscourt House & Gardens: A Majestic Estate in Wicklow

Discover the beauty and history of Powerscourt House & Gardens, a world-renowned estate in the heart of County Wicklow, Ireland's garden.

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Powerscourt House & Gardens, nestled in County Wicklow, is a sprawling estate renowned for its stunning gardens and historical significance. Originally a 13th-century castle, it was transformed into a grand Palladian mansion in the 18th century. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously landscaped gardens, enjoy the on-site cafe, and discover unique shops within the house.

A brief summary to Powerscourt House & Gardens

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the estate is extensive and involves walking on varied terrain.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to fully explore the gardens.
  • Check the Powerscourt website for events and seasonal opening hours.
  • Consider visiting the Powerscourt Distillery for a tour and tasting.
  • Visit the Powerscourt Waterfall, a separate attraction 6km from the main estate.
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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 a 20-minute uphill walk to the entrance of Powerscourt Estate. A single fare on the Dublin Bus is approximately €3. Alternatively, take the DART train to Bray and then transfer to the L15 bus to Enniskerry. From there, walk 20 minutes to Powerscourt Estate.

  • Driving

    From Dublin, take the N11 southbound. At approximately 19km, take exit 7 for Bray South, Enniskerry, and Powerscourt Gardens. Turn left at the roundabout, go over the flyover, and rejoin the N11 heading north. Take the first left for Enniskerry Village (Exit 6a). Continue along the road to Enniskerry Village. In the village square, take the road to the left of the clock tower and continue up the steep hill for 600m. The entrance to Powerscourt is on the right-hand side, opposite the church entrance. There is ample free parking available on-site. Note: there are EV charging stations available.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Dublin city center, a taxi or ride-share to Powerscourt House & Gardens will take approximately 24 minutes, covering a distance of 12.7 miles. The estimated cost is between $40-$50. Note that prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

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Discover more about Powerscourt House & Gardens

Powerscourt House & Gardens, located a short drive south of Dublin in County Wicklow, is a testament to Ireland's rich history and natural beauty. The estate's story began with a medieval castle owned by the de Paor family, whose name was anglicized to 'Power,' hence Powerscourt. Strategically positioned, the castle controlled access to the Dargle, Glencree, and Glencullen rivers. In the 17th century, the Wingfield family acquired the estate, and in the 18th century, the first Viscount Powerscourt commissioned German architect Richard Cassels to design the grand Palladian mansion that stands today. Completed in 1741, the 68-room house boasted impressive interiors and became one of Ireland's most admired mansions. A fire in 1974 left the house a shell until it was renovated in 1996. While only two rooms are restored to their original appearance, the house now features retail units, a cafe, and event spaces. The gardens at Powerscourt are a major draw, showcasing a blend of formal designs and natural landscapes. Developed over centuries, the gardens feature Italianate terraces, a Japanese garden, a pet cemetery, and the iconic Pepperpot Tower. The gardens offer panoramic views of the Sugarloaf Mountain and the Wicklow Mountains. Powerscourt Waterfall, located 6km from the house, is Ireland's highest waterfall and a popular spot for picnics and recreation.

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