Powerscourt

I remember being disappointed two years ago that we were not able to visit Powerscourt.  We were leaving Waterford headed to Dublin and it was pouring rain.  So we passed by Kilkenny Castle and Powerscourt.  Not this time, the sun gods were in our favor for our visit to Powerscourt Estate.

The estate is located in the Wicklow countryside, which is in a very picturesque mountain range .  The house & grounds are located on a hillside on the east side of Ireland with a spectacular view of Sugarloaf Mountain (about 1600 ft high).  Before you actually get to the house you pass the hotel bearing the same name, a very hoytie-toytie - posh place.  The house itself was once a grand home that entertained many an aristocratic in it's day and held many a grand garden party.  In 1730, the 1st Viscount Powerscourt began the transformation of the medieval castle, completing his 68 room mansion in 1741.  It was only 2 stories high so a third story was added in 1787.  It was said to have some of the finest interior in all of Ireland.  However, in 1974 a major fire broke out and destroyed the entire 3rd floor and all it's furnishings.  No one was injured, but the damage took it's toll on the family. The shell of the home stood for almost 20 years when it was re-roofed and opened to the public in 1997 as a tourist attraction.  The second floor rooms now house a variety of shops including Tara's Place - Irelands largest period doll's house and antique toys. (superb miniatures)  Upstairs the floors are uneven the exposed walls tell of the estates' true age.

The main reason I think anyone would come to Powerscourt is not for the home, but the 47 acres of gardens. Seven various gardens, each commissioned over the years by different Viscount & Viscountess, beautifully maintained today.

The Tower Village takes you through the forest of trees. For over two centuries, trees brought back from all around the world and planted in this forest. The Tower was built to enjoy the tree tops.

The Japanese Garden was created by the 8th Viscount, built in and around a grotto, one of the oldest features of the gardens.

The Triton Lake is well known for the commercial shots of Powerscourt. This lake, with lots of water lilies and main fountain, sits at the base of the Italian Garden. This area was built in the 1840's and took over 12 years to complete.  The statues were collected and brought back by the 6th and 7th Lords of Powerscourt from various travels throughout Europe.

Late in the 19th century, the 7th Viscount also brought back a fountain of dolphins from Paris. Surrounded by Japanese Red Cedars from 1864, it now sits at the English Gate to the walled gardens.

The Walled Gardens are the oldest of the gardens on the estate. At the top of the gardens sits an exquisite gate - 240 year old Bamberg Gate from a Cathetral in Bamberg, Germany.  In the center of the garden is a reflective pond with an unusual statue in tribute to the 7th Viscounts mother, Julia.

Last, but not least, is the estate's pet cemetery.  The final resting place for many of the family pets - including a cow.

From here we drove to the Powerscourt Waterfall.  About 4 miles on a small, (did I say SMALL) winding road through the mountain.  This was on a Monday, but since the weather was good, the sun shining, temperatures high - the parking lot was packed, as well as the surrounding area at the base of the waterfall.  It is our guess that this is a summer destination for many locals. They have a snack stand and playground.  Blankets were spread, dogs ran a muck and kids of all ages frolicked in the stream. There are signs everywhere - "stay off", but mostly ignored. There was even a photo shoot taking place.  The mass of humanity spoiled what should have been serene in it's grandeur.   This is the highest waterfall in Ireland, close to 400 feet.

PHOTO ALBUM