Where is Powerscourt Estate?
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens is located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland and is a large country estate occupying 19 hectares. Disney fans would be thrilled to know that this is the filming location of the sequel to the 2007 film“Enchanted”
History of Powerscourt
Powerscourt has an amazing 800 year history that you can learn about when visiting. The 1st Viscount Powerscourt was eager to make a mark and to show off his position in society. To achieve his aim he proceeded to transform Powerscourt from a medieval castle into a grand mansion to live in.
In 1730 he commissioned the German-born architect Richard Castle with the instructions to build Powerscourt House, a 68 room mansion which was completed in 1741. The mansion was designed in the style of Palladian architecture around the medieval castle and featured baroque dome-roofed towers on either side. This gave it in the words of one architectural historian, “The massive dignity of a great Italian Renaissance villa.”
Further major alterations were added in 1787 and again in the late 19th century. Powerscourt House was one of the country’s most beautiful mansions with one of the finest interiors in Ireland.
The Slazenger family purchased the Estate from the 9th Viscount Powerscourt in 1961 and has owned it ever since.
Powerscourt Gardens
As soon as you arrive at Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, you will realize the awesome beauty of one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and in the world. Powerscourt Gardens was Voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic, an awesome achievement.
Stretching over 47 acres the Gardens offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens with sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes. Wandering around you will find secret hollows and rambling trails.
Powerscourt Gardens are managed by Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger with a team of four gardeners. From inception in 1731 Powerscourt Gardens were designed with the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider surrounding landscape and this desired outcome was definitely achieved.
Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions.
We advise a minimum of 90 minutes to make the most of your visit to the gardens.
Experience the highest Waterfall in Ireland.
Surprise, surprise, you can experience Ireland’s highest Waterfall at Powerscourt Estate.
With 121m of cascading water and set in beautiful parkland at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the Waterfall is a haven for wildlife. Wildlife includes Sika Deer and the native Irish red squirrel. This is also a great family picnic area with a playground.
Powerscourt Distillery
Home to Fercullen Irish Whiskey, Powerscourt Distillery is a unique Whiskey distillery located on the Powerscourt Estate.
With a visitor to Powerscourt Distillery you will enjoy fully immersive guided tours of the whiskey distillery process. Your tour will start in the converted old Mill house which dates back to 1730.
Here you can experience the sights, sounds, smell and feel of a fully operational distillery including a visit to the on-site maturation warehouse.
Included in the tour are three samples of our award-winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys by world renowned Master Distiller & Blender Noel Sweeney.
If you are looking to host an event, there are six carefully appointed individual tasting rooms available for private and corporate hire. There is also a high-end AV lounge, café, bar and retail areas which are open to the public for daily tours and tastings. So why not visit this award winning distillery?
Powerscourt Golf Club
Powerscourt Golf Club was Voted Best Parkland Venue in Ireland 2014 and Powerscourt features two of the finest championship courses in Ireland, which despite their proximity to each other, pose remarkably different challenges for any golfer. This is a not to miss for the golf enthusiast.
The Powerscourt Hotel
Want to come for a sleepover? Stroll down the drive and you will be excited to discover Powerscourt Hotel, a Palladian style palace which brings together natural beauty and dignified accommodations to offer its guests an unforgettable retreat.
Tea and Nourishment
Tea anyone? – The Sugar Loaf Lounge offers Traditional Afternoon Tea and light fare throughout the day.
Sika Restaurant at Powerscourt Hotel offers the best of Irish contemporary cooking against a spectacular backdrop of Wicklow’s hills and mountains with an emphasis on local excellence and seasonality.
Fancy a pint? Then McGills, a traditional Irish pub, offers a tasty menu of wholesome traditional dishes, prepared and served with imagination and style.
Ready to start planning that trip to Ireland? Start here.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!