Powescourt Estate with the impressive castle that dates as far back as the thirteenth century and the 19 hectare gardens are one of the greatest tourist attractions of Dublin area. The estate is located among beautiful Wicklow Mountains scenery and offers breathtaking views of the distinctive Sugar Loaf peak. Very close to Dublin city, around 45 minutes drive from the center, it's a perfect place to enjoy a weekend, especially in the summer time when all the trees are lush green and all flowers in blossom.

Powerscourt Gardens and the Sugar Loaf mountain

How to get to Powerscourt Gardens

If you can't drive, getting there by public bus couldn't be easier. You just need to catch a bus number 44 from Dublin City Center that goes to Enniskerry village. The bus departs more or less every hour and the journey will take a little more than one hour time. The ticket fare is only 2.70 EUR one way (3.65 USD).

Enniskerry village, although very small, is worth visiting in itself. Picturesquely situated among the rolling hills of Wicklow National Park, offers some great pubs and restaurants.

When you get off the bus in Enniskerry, follow the steep road up, walk past a beautiful church on your left and after around 10 minutes you will get to the main gate to the Powerscourt Estate. Entrance fees: 8.50 EUR (11.50 USD) for adults, 7.50 EUR (10.00 USD) for students and 5.00 EUR (6.50 USD) for children.

The Powerscourt Castle

The castle dates back to the thirteenth century, however it was altered during the eighteenth century and a few newer parts were added to the original construction. There is a hotel, Avoca Handweavers restaurant and a store which offer hand made, delicious foods and other craft items. There are also golf courses within the estate.

The complex suffered a huge damage during the fire that broke out in 1974. It had been abandoned and left in ruins for almost twenty years until it was fully renovated in 1996.

A sculpture of a horse at the Triton lake

The Powerscourt Gardens

The Powerscourt Gardens were created in the nineteenth century. The area covers almost 19 hectares. The design of the gardens integrates perfectly into the natural surrounding of the estate and the Sugar Loaf mountain in the background provides unique, astounding scenery.

The gardens consist of a few parts and to visit everything, just follow the map you will get while entering Powerscourt.

Italian Gardens, right in front of the castle, together with the Sugar Loaf Mountain offer one of the best views in Ireland. The terraces were designed in the nineteenth century by architect Daniel Robertson. It took almost twelve years to built it.

Tower Valley, one of the oldest part of the gardens with trees that have been planted continuously for the last two hundred years. There are more than 250 varieties. You can enter the tower, go up the steep steps to the top and enjoy the view from a higher point.

Japanese Gardens provide a bit of orient and exoticism with Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Cedars and... Chinese Fortune Palm Trees! It may be hard to believe that palm trees can grow as far north as Ireland, but actually you can see quite a few within Dublin county.

Triton Lake is really beautiful and adds even more charm to the whole area. Around, near the gates you can admire amazing sculptures of horses and other mythical creatures.

Powerscourt Gardens can also boast one of the biggest Pet Cemetery in Ireland.