Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. Tell me more!
Ireland is known for its multitude of castles, but we shouldn’t forget about the estates. This month we’re taking a day trip to one of the biggest this country has to offer, Powerscourt. Keep reading to find out more!
A Brief History
Before the 1700s, you would have found a medieval castle standing in the place of Powerscourt Estate. You’ll find this magnificent structure perched in a beautiful location in the Wicklow mountains with stunning views all around. To show his power and importance, the 1st Viscount Powerscourt decided to transform the building into a mansion. Richard Castle was the architect in charge of the transformation. He began work in 1730 and completed the masterpiece in 1741. The result was a 68 room ‘a great Italian Renaissance villa’.
After a major refurbishment in 1974, the house suffered a devastating fire, which completely destroyed the principal reception rooms and bedrooms! It took more than 20 years before the damage was repaired. Thankfully, President Mary Robinson commissioned the restoration of this iconic building and reopened it to the public in 1997.
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens today
Now the site is a hub of the best of Irish art, gifts, clothes and furniture. Of course, the building is as impressive as Viscount Powerscourt envisaged, but the gardens are something to behold! There is so much to see and do here, for example, the rhododendron walk, Japanese Garden and stunning views of the famous ‘Sugarloaf’ mountain. You could spend hours here.
Did you know that Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall? What’s more, we visit it every time and this month is no different
With all this in mind it is no wonder that Powerscourt was recently voted as One of the Top Ten Houses and Mansions Worldwide by the Lonely Planet Guide!
Come check it out with us on Saturday 17th November. For a taste of what you might see, have a look at the pictures from previous trips:
November can be a boring month, falling between Halloween and Christmas, but stick with our Social programme and you’ll always have something fun and new to do! Take a look at the calendar of events for the coming month and let us know what you think.
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