Find inspiration in the heart of County Wicklow at one of the world’s most exceptional gardens.
Stand on the upper stone terrace in Powerscourt, and a view of epic proportions unfurls before you like a 19th-century painting. Overlooked by the Great Sugar Loaf mountain and designed in the 1860s by the architect Daniel Robertson, the exquisite green terraces cascade down to Triton Lake, dotted with lily pads and framed by a striking pair of winged horses. When Powerscourt House was completed in 1741, it was praised for possessing the “massive dignity of a great Italian Renaissance villa”; however, it is the gardens that make this place truly special.
Japanese Gardens, Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow
Stroll down the steps to the lake at Powerscourt, and you are into an enchanting natural world filled with romantic corners, playful moments and awe-inspiring beauty. It’s easy to spend hours here, wandering through the peaceful pagodas of the Japanese gardens to the Tower Valley, graced with a picturesque stone folly known as the Pepperpot Tower. The walled garden, one of the oldest parts of the estate, is home to hundreds of heritage roses, and the herbaceous border here contains shrubs and plants chosen by Lady Powerscourt, wife of the 7th Viscount. And don’t miss the Pet Cemetery. It’s a fascinating part of the estate and is the resting place of the beloved pets of the Wingfield and Slazenger families.
Powerscourt Waterfall, County Wicklow
Around 6km from the gardens and also part of the Powerscourt Estate is Powerscourt Waterfall. Set in a glorious valley cradled by Djouce Mountain and the Great Sugar Loaf, this gushing cascade is the very epitome of wild, natural drama and is the highest in Ireland at 121 metres. Walk the woodland pathways and you’ll be surrounded by birdsong, and may even spot a Sika deer or red squirrel. It’s a popular spot for both picnics and barbecues, and there’s a small kiosk selling snacks and treats at weekends and all week in summer.
