The Power of Powerscourt

Why You Must Visit Powerscourt

Do you want to see a gorgeous garden? We loved the rhododendron gardens and the statues. But we especially loved the Italianate Garden and the Japanese Garden. Powerscourt House & Gardens is a short day trip south of Dublin. After the gardens, you can visit the powerful Powerscourt Waterfalls.

Author & Photographer: George Mitchell

Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we do not have any. Our advice is derived from our personal experience and knowledge based on living in Europe for seven years and studying its art, architecture and culture. Ireland is one of our favourite destinations.

All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps Ratings, which is based on everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our custom Ireland East Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).

The Power of Powerscourt

We had a great sleep – even slept in a bit until 07:30. Then we enjoyed a full Irish breakfast of eggs, sausage, yoghurt, fruit, and toast. We spent a lot of time talking to an Indian automation engineer working in Cork, Ireland; three American ladies (mother, daughter and aunt) on a birthday trip to Ireland and Scotland for two weeks; and an English-born translator working for the EU in Brussels. She enjoys running marathons in each European capital.

Finally, we left for Powerscourt House (1730s), about 30 km south of Dublin. Actually, the house was partially burnt down. But the garden is what people flock here for. It is considered the third best in the world by National Geographic!

Italianate Garden

The layout along a sculpted hill is very dramatic. The house and cafe patio have views out to Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Italianate Gardens flank the long stairway to the lake. A special balcony uses pebble mosaic pavement just like in Italy.

The stairway ends at two statues of Pegasus (winged horses) with a triton (conch) fountain.

Rhododendron Garden

There was a rhododendron forest and a tulip-walled garden later on.

Our favourite place was the Japanese Garden with little bridges over a stream, tiny waterfalls over rocks, and even a simple Japanese pergola. There were even arches made of volcanic rocks (lots of holes caused by escaping volcanic gases).

Oh, and great views along the very easy loop hike. It was very pleasant, but it did not have the variety of flowers found in Butchart Gardens in BC.

It took two hours to walk and photograph the whole trail. This blog is only showing my cell phone photos, not the scenery, flowers and macro photos taken with my SLR.

Powerscourt Waterfalls

We then drove 8 km to Powerscourt Waterfalls (G4.6). This very dramatic and tall falls is situated in a grassy meadow with picnic benches, ideal for a lunch break.

Unfortunately, the sun in the afternoon was just going over the mountain ridge. So the falls were in the shade. But the meadow was sunny with about 18°C. A half hour later, the sky darkened and there was spotted rain. But considering the forecast was for a 50% chance of rain, the weather was good at the right times.

When to Visit Powerscourt Garden

The gardens are at their best from April through August. But May is the best month to see the rhododendrons in full bloom.

Powerscourt Garden Hours and Fees

Open: daily 09:30 to 17:30

Fees: Adult: €14, Senior €12, Child (U16) €5.50

Powerscourt Waterfall Hours and Fees

Open: daily 09:30 to 19:00 (May-August); 10:30 to 17:30 (Sep-Oct)

Fees: Adult: €7.50, Senior €6.50, Child (U16) €3.50

Final Comments on this Itinerary

May and early June are the ideal times to visit Powerscourt Gardens. We enjoyed visiting the outskirts of Dublin.

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Itinerary Map & Resources

Ireland East Map

Powerscourt and Glendalough are usually visited as day trips from Dublin. They were the reason we chose a B&B in South Dublin.

If you have more than a week, then combine this tour with places in the Ireland East and the Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest (SW) Ireland itineraries below. Or just visit some of the nearby places listed below.

Google Maps Ratings

Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.

Ireland FAQ

The Ireland FAQ post answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) like:

• Where should I go in Ireland?
• What is the best season for travel?
• What is the best clothing?
• Where should I go? What are the must-sees?
• How much time do I need for Ireland?
• Can I see everything in a week?
• How safe is Ireland?
• How much cash should you take to Ireland?
• Should I pay in Euros or my own currency? 
• What apps are useful for travel?
• Should I rent a car? Take a Taxi?

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