Powerscourt Estate

Powerscourt House and Gardens is an 18th century historical estate in Wicklow, and one of the most well-known and popular in Ireland. The estate incorporates a terrace restaurant overlooking the garden, speciality shops, a garden pavilion, interiors gallery and an exhibition on the history of the estate. The house, originally a 13th century castle, was extensively altered during the 18th century by German architect Richard Cassels, while a fire in 1974 prompted a full renovation in 1996. Today the estate is owned and run by the Slazenger family, founders and former owners of the Slazenger sporting goods business. A popular tourist attraction, it includes a golf course, an Avoca Store and café and a hotel. Powerscourt Gardens are a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks, and walled gardens, with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Set against the backdrop of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the extensive grounds are over 47 acres in size. Inspiration for the garden design followed visits to ornamental gardens at the Palace of Versailles, Schönbrunn Palace near Vienna, and Schwetzingen Castle near Heidelberg. From the ornate Italian gardens, to the formal walks of the Rose Garden and kitchen gardens, there is plenty to see and explore. Powerscourt Golf Club, located at the Powerscourt Estate, is home to two par 72, 18-hole courses; in 1998, the East Course was host to the Irish PGA Championship. A visit to the Avoca Store and terrace café overlooking stunning gardens which surround the area is the perfect way to end a day at the beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens. There is a regular schedule of events at Powerscourt for visitors to enjoy, which can be found on the Powerscourt website. Free leaflets available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Chinese.

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