Powerscourt Estate

Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow was named no. 3 in the World’s Top 10 Gardens by the National Geographic*, second only to the Palace of Versailles and Kew Gardens in London. Powerscourt is the only one of the three that is not state owned.  Dating back to the 13^th century, Powerscourt is a vast country estate noted for its magnificent Palladian style mansion and 47 acres (190,000 m²) of formal landscaped gardens in the picturesque village of Enniskerry, County Wicklow. Set on a commanding hilltop position, against the backdrop of the Sugarloaf mountains, a sweeping terrace on the mansion’s southside opens onto a breath-taking, ornamental garden and lake.

The Gardens offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows, and rambling walks.  Managed by Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger and a team of gardeners, Powerscourt Gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider surrounding landscape. Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Garden, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions.

Powerscourt Waterfall:

Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest continuous flowing waterfall at 121 m high.  It is located 6km from the Main Estate & Gardens and is set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful parklands at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.  The Waterfall is a haven for wildlife including the Sika Deer and the native Irish red squirrel. Visitors can enjoy a picnic and explore the walking trails including a sensory walking trail.

Sustainability

Powerscourt Estate* is Ireland’s first premier visitor attraction to be certified by Sustainable Travel Ireland whose criteria are recognised by the UN mandated Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).   Powerscourt, House, Gardens and Waterfall is the first major Irish visitor attraction to achieve such an accolade.

Powerscourt Estate has always been pioneering in terms of sustainability.  We want to deliver a “fairer and greener” attraction experience by reducing our overall environmental impact.  Our long-term mission is for Powerscourt Estate to be Net Zero by 2025.