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Parks #1 in Bray, County Wicklow

Powerscourt House & Gardens

4.7 · 10,793 reviews
Refined and expansive
Powerscourt House & Gardens, Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Interesting facts
1

The Italian Garden took approximately 12 years to complete, with the terrace alone requiring 6 years of labor.

2

The Pepperpot Tower was modeled after a pepper pot found on the original Lord Powerscourt's dining table.

3

The estate was the filming location for the 1981 film Excalibur and the television series The Tudors.

4

The Japanese Garden was created on reclaimed bog land in the early 20th century.

5

Powerscourt Waterfall, located 6km from the main house, is the highest waterfall in Ireland at 121 meters.

6

The Pet Cemetery on the grounds contains monuments to the Wingfield family's dogs and ponies.

7

The house interior contains the Saloon, which features extensive wood carvings and plasterwork restored after the 1974 fire.

8

The estate grounds house a collection of rare tree species, including specimens from as far away as Chile and China.

Overview

Powerscourt House & Gardens is a 19th-century Palladian estate situated on a 47-acre site in County Wicklow. The estate features formal gardens, including the Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Pepperpot Tower. The house itself serves as a retail and exhibition center following a major reconstruction after a 1974 fire. The grounds incorporate views of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Water features, such as the Triton Lake and Dolphin Pond, are central elements of the landscape design. The estate was originally conceived as a medieval fortress before being transformed into a country residence by Richard Wingfield in the 18th century. It currently hosts a variety of shops, a terrace cafe, and event spaces. Visitors can access various woodland trails and the ornamental Walled Garden.

Photo spot

The elevated view from the stone terrace looking down over the Italian Garden toward the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Insider tips

Allocate time to drive to the separate Powerscourt Waterfall location, as it is several kilometers from the main house and gardens.

Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, as the pathways include gravel and grass surfaces that can become muddy.

Check the event calendar online before visiting to avoid days when parts of the house are restricted for private functions.

What to avoid

Trying to see both the main gardens and the waterfall on foot; the distance is too great for a casual walk and requires a vehicle.

Good to know

The estate remains open daily throughout the year, with the exception of December 25th and 26th.

Etiquette

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times; refrain from climbing on stone walls or stepping into non-designated garden beds.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom.
Address
Powerscourt House & Gardens, Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
53.184, -6.187
Get directions
Details
Garden StylesItalian, Japanese, and Walled Garden
FacilitiesTerrace cafe, retail craft shops, and woodland walking trails

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom..

The elevated view from the stone terrace looking down over the Italian Garden toward the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Close by you'll find Enniskerry Village Square, Powerscourt Waterfall, Knocksink Wood.