powerscourt waterfall tour from dublin

A Guide To Powerscourt Waterfall In Wicklow (What To See + Handy Info)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

The mighty Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ireland and it’s one of the most popular attractions in Wicklow .

At 121m high, it’s an incredible sight and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Wicklow Mountains National Park . 

Offering the perfect backdrop for a gentle stroll, Powerscourt Waterfall makes a great destination for a day out (just get there early when visiting at the weekend!).

In the guide below, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow, from things to do and midges… yes, midges!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow

Click to enlarge

Although a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The incredible Powerscourt Waterfall is located inside the Powerscourt Estate at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. It’s a 10-minute drive from Enniskerry and a 20-minute drive from both Roundwood and Greystones .

2. Opening hours

The Powerscourt Waterfall opening hours change throughout the year. Here are the latest times (note: these may change):

• Jan and Feb : 10:30 – 16:00
• Mar and Apr : 10:30 – 17:30
• May to Aug : 09:30 – 19:00
• Sept and Oct : 10:30 – 17:30
• Nov and Dec : 10:30 – 16:00

3. Powerscourt Waterfall tickets

Powerscourt Waterfall tickets can be bought upon arrival, just inside the gate (keep in mind that Powerscourt House is an additional charge). Tickets cost:

• Adult : €7
• Family : €18
• Child (U2): Free
• Child : €3.50
• Senior : €6.00

Powerscourt Waterfall parking can be a bit mental when the busy summer months arrive or at bank holidays. There is a large parking area near the waterfall, with toilet facilities and refreshments available there too.

Yes, midges! If you visit Powerscourt Waterfall during the warmer months of the year, expect midges… lots and lots of midges. They can, at times, ruin a trip, so make sure to bring midget repellant and be prepared to eat in the car.

About Powerscourt Waterfall

Photos via Shutterstock

Powerscourt Waterfall is inside a beautiful estate of Beech, Oak, Larch and Pine trees, some of which are over 200 years old.

You can enjoy these incredible trees on the drive towards the waterfall, which flows into the Dargle River at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.

The estate is also a haven for a range of birds, including the Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and the Willow Warbler.

You can also spot Sika Deer, where were introduced to Ireland in 1858 by the 7th Viscount Powerscourt, as well as the native Irish red squirrel. 

The waterfall is the perfect place for a summer picnic, with barbecues available for use at the picnic areas. There’s also a playground for the kids to play on while you prepare the food.

If you prefer to purchase some refreshments, there’s a kiosk that serves coffee, tea, hot dogs and ice cream during the warmer months from June until August near the car park.

Things to do at Powerscourt Waterfall

There’s plenty of things to here, from the Powerscourt Waterfall walk to the nearby gardens and the house tour.

Later in the guide, you’ll find places to visit a stone’s throw from Powerscourt, for those of you that fancy seeing what else Wicklow has to offer.

1. Get an eyeful of the waterfall

Likely the reason you came in the first place, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the sight of the waterfall itself from the moment you leave the car park.

You’ll hear it before you see it, thanks to the thunder of the water as it falls and crashes from its 121m height.

2. The Powerscourt Waterfall walk

The Powerscourt Waterfall walk is one of the better short walks in Wicklow (it takes about 30 minutes across the river and back).

Along the way you can enjoy different views of the waterfall from various vantage points and is worth the extra effort.

Don’t forget good walking shoes for this one though, as the walk involves some inclines. Dogs are also welcome to join your walk, as long as you keep them on a leash. 

3. Visit Powerscourt House and Gardens

Photos courtesy Celtic Routes via Fáilte Ireland

Now, some people get confused and thing that the Powerscourt Waterfall walk takes you into the gardens where Powerscourt House is, but it doesn’t.

The famous house and gardens are a 10-minute drive away, and you’ll have to pay into them (not ideal, I know!).

The gardens of the Powerscourt Estate are one of the most beautiful in Ireland and cover an incredible 47 acres of land. 

You can wander through the formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and secret hollows. The gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with various sections worth exploring.

4. The Powerscourt Waterfall hike

Photos left and bottom right: Gabriel. Top right: Sebastian (Adobe Stock)

We’ve had several emails in recent weeks asking about the Powerscourt Waterfall hike, with people seeming to think you can climb up it.

This isn’t the case and, sadly, there have been tragedies here in the past where people have fallen.

If you want to do a hike while also getting a view of Powerscourt Waterfall, try the Crone Woods walk – you’ll get a view of the falls 1/2 way through.

Things to do near Powerscourt Waterfall

One of the beauties of Powerscourt Waterfall is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Wicklow .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Powerscourt (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains National Park cover an expansive area of almost 20,000 hectares and its home to walks, cycle routes and plenty of attractions.

2. Walks and hikes galore

Whether you just want to stretch your legs or you’re an avid hiker, Wicklow is an outdoor playground with trails galore. From long walks and challenging trails to gentle rambles, here are some hike guides to dip into:

• Wicklow walks
• Glendalough walks
• Lough Ouler
• Djouce Woods
• Devil’s Glen
• Djouce Mountain
• Sugarloaf Mountain

Just 9km from Powerscourt Waterfall is the coastal town of Bray. There are plenty of things to do in this vibrant town, from having a pint at the iconic Harbour Bar to more active things like the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and climbing up to Bray Head . 

4. Loads more attractions 

If you’re looking for more, then you might want to head to Lough Tay or Glenmacnass Waterfall , both of which you can see on the Sally Gap Drive .

FAQs about Powerscourt Waterfall

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from the parking at the waterfall to what there is to do.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Powerscourt Waterfall free?

No. Prices range from €7 for an adult and €18 for a family ticket to €3.50 for a child and €6 for a senior. 

How long is the Powerscourt Waterfall walk?

The Powerscourt Waterfall walk is a short and easy stroll that takes 30-40 minutes depending on pace. It begins at the car park and follows a clear, well-trodden trail.

What do you wear to Powerscourt Waterfall?

If you visit during the summer when the midges are in full swing, we’d recommend a hat and something to cover your skin. If you visit after rainfall, a good pair of walking shoes are necessary.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Powerscourt Waterfall (2024 Guide) – Visit Ireland’s Highest Waterfall!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories IRELAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

One of the best waterfalls in Ireland has to be the magical Powerscourt Waterfall which is the highest cascade in the country.

You’ll find it deep within the Wicklow Mountains National Park and it’s where the River Dargle crashes down from a height of 121 metres or 397 feet.

The water dramatically cascades over a cliff face in a lush valley of the vast Powerscourt Estate. So, there’s plenty of woodland, walking trails, and wildlife to discover.

But, many people use this green space as a place to relax as it’s so easy to visit. There are lots of places to set up a picnic with an incredible view. 

It also makes a great day trip from Dublin as it’s less than an hour’s drive away!

Here is a complete guide to the majestic Powerscourt Waterfall and how to visit it in County Wicklow, Ireland. 

Powerscourt Waterfall history 

Powerscourt Waterfall was formed over 20,000 years ago from a melting glacier during the last Ice Age.

The cliff where the River Dargle falls from is 121 metres high or 397 feet. It’s known as a horsetail waterfall as the water stays in contact with the bedrock.

Later, it became a prominent feature of the Powerscourt Estate which has been the home of Viscount Powerscourt for centuries.

In 1741 Richard Wingfield, 1st Viscount Powerscourt, commissioned Powerscourt House to be built in the Italian style. The waterfall was often used to impress notable visitors. 

In 1821, King George IV was a guest of the 5th Viscount Powerscourt and took up lodgings in Powerscourt House. 

They stopped the cascade by creating a ‘dam’ above the waterfall and the plan was to let the cascade fall in his honour as a surprise after their sumptuous banquet. 

They even made him a special viewing platform for the occasion where he could stand to watch.

Luckily, King George never made it to the waterfall during his visit as he was too full and in his cups. When they released the dam, the water crashed down and washed away the viewing platform where he was meant to stand!

Today, Powerscourt Waterfall is a popular attraction in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is advertised as the highest waterfall in the country. 

Is Powerscourt Waterfall the tallest in Ireland? 

This is widely debated but Powerscourt is advertised as the highest waterfall in Ireland by the estate at 121 metres or just under 400 feet. 

But, it seems it’s actually the second-highest waterfall in Ireland. The tallest is Sruth in Agaidh an Aird aka ‘The Devil’s Chimney’ that is 150 metres high (492 feet).

You can visit the cascade above Glencar Lake of the Dartry Mountains between County Sligo and County Leitrim.

Regardless, Powerscourt Waterfall is an impressive cascade that’s a must-visit in County Wicklow. 

What is the best time to visit? 

The best time to visit Powerscourt Waterfall would be after a few days of heavy rains for the best cascade. Luckily, this isn’t difficult for Ireland.

I have to admit, I went in May during a heatwave and it was a pretty cascade but more like a trickle compared to what the water levels normally would be. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, I would skip weekends and go for a weekday instead. Also, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. 

Visitors like to use the area surrounding the waterfall as a picnic field and set up BBQs with loud music. Some people camp out and spend the entire day here if it’s warm weather! 

If that’s your vibe, great. But, if you just want to appreciate the natural beauty of the waterfall in peace, I would pick a quieter time. 

How to visit Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall is located on Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow and is part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. 

The easiest and most convenient way to visit the waterfall would be to drive. 

It is around an hour’s drive from central Dublin or a 20-minute drive from south Dublin so it makes an easy day trip from the city. Or, it’s a two-hour drive from Belfast. 

You can take the N11 road southbound towards Wexford. Then, you can take the Enniskerry exit towards Powerscourt Gardens. It will be signposted the entire way.

Once you reach the gardens, you’ll see brown tourist signs guiding you toward the waterfall. 

Powerscourt Waterfall is around 6 kilometres drive further than the Powerscourt Gardens turning and will take you another 10 minutes in the car.

If you’re not driving, the walk from Powerscourt Estate or Enniskerry village is 6 kilometres on a narrow road with no pavement.

The cars drive really fast here so it’s not recommended to walk as it’s simply not safe. It’s better to cycle.

Powerscourt Waterfall’s address is Deerpark, Powerscourt Estate, Co. Wicklow, A98 WOD0. Click here for a Google Pin! 

Powerscourt Waterfall opening times

The opening times for Powerscourt Waterfall change throughout the year depending on the season. So, it’s always best to check before you arrive;  

• November to February –  the waterfall is open from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s closed on December 11th – 25th and reopens on 26th December/Boxing Day. 
• March/April and September/October – It’s open every day from 9.30 pm to 5. 30 pm. 
• From May to August – it’s open every day from 9.30 pm to 7 pm.

The last entry is 30 minutes before close from September-April and 60 minutes before close from May-August.

Do you have to pay to get into Powerscourt Waterfall?

Yes, you do have to pay to get into Powerscourt Waterfall and you pay on arrival. There will be a volunteer at the barrier on entry as you drive/walk in. 

Payment can be taken in cash or contactless. You can’t book tickets online or reserve a time slot. 

Powerscourt Waterfall ticket prices are 7 euros for an adult and 3.50 euro for children under 16. 

There are concessions for seniors and students (6 euro a ticket), family tickets for 18 euro and children under 2 go free. 

You don’t get any discounts or advantages for visiting Powerscourt House & Gardens or staying at the Powerscourt Hotel either – everybody pays the same fees! 

Where do you park for the waterfall? 

After you have paid your entrance fee at the barrier, you’ll drive a further 1 kilometre to the dedicated parking area. Parking prices are included with your ticket.

Just be mindful that this drive is quite narrow and is a single lane with passing places. So, go slow and remember to give way when necessary.

You’ll be parked a few hundred metres away from the cascade next to The Bug Buffet kiosk and the public toilets.

There are no toilets further down to the waterfall so I would use them at the car park before you set out on your walk. 

How long is the Powerscourt Waterfall walk from the car park? 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it only takes around 5-10 minutes to walk to the waterfall from the car park. 

The walk is on a concrete path and is only a few hundred metres to get there. You’ll get great views of the cascade the entire way. 

Saying that, the walk down from the car park area nearest the Bug Buffet kiosk is a little steep so keep that in mind if you plan to take a pushchair, or wheelchair and/or require accessibility. 

There are a few blue badge parking spaces available a bit further down so that you don’t need to walk so far. 

Things to do at Powerscourt Waterfall

So, once you reach Powerscourt Waterfall, there are lots of things that you can do around the area.

From admiring the cascade, setting up a picnic, chasing filming locations, or heading out on a scenic walk!

Here are all the things to do at Powerscourt Waterfall.

See Powerscourt falls up close & feel the water

Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do is head to the waterfall in the valley and see it up close! 

The cascade is very dramatic as it’s in the Wicklow Mountains and it falls from 121 metres or nearly 400 feet down a cliff face. 

Apparently, after the water falls the droplets are broken up and release negatively charged particles. So, when it hits you, it’s meant to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

There are lots of places to climb and get closer to the waterfall. But, heed warning signs and be careful as you go. There have been a few accidents recently and it’s best to play it safe. 

Set up a picnic or BBQ

As you approach the waterfall, you’ll notice an entire green area that sits in front of the cascade and the mountains. 

This is used as a picnic area and there are lots of benches dotted around to perch on. Or, you can set up a picnic blanket on the ground to enjoy an outdoor lunch.

There are also lots of BBQ stands if you wanted to have a cookout with a fabulous view!

Remember to leave no trace by putting all your rubbish in the bins provided. Don’t expect people to clean up after you.

Take a hike around the waterfall 

After you’ve visited the cascade up close and had a look around the base of the waterfall. There are some short walks that you can take on the Powerscourt Estate.

There is a short, 1.5-kilometre walking trail that has been set up in the woodland that gets you a look at the waterfall on the other side. 

This walk is very scenic and you’ll hike over lakes, bridges, and lush trees.

On the way, you’ll see Beech, Oak, Larch, and Pine trees that were planted over 200 years ago. Also, there are Giant Redwoods too that are over 80 metres high. 

You can spot lots of wildlife such as ravens, cuckoos, and willow warblers. Or, you may be lucky enough to spot a Sika Deer or red squirrel.

It only takes you around 25 minutes to complete but be warned there are some steep paths so sensible walking shoes are recommended. 

Chase down Excalibur and Vikings filming locations 

Did you know that over 50 movies and TV shows have been filmed in Powerscourt Waterfall since the 1920s?!

One of the most famous is Excalibur (1981) which was filmed entirely in Ireland. Powerscourt Waterfall was used to film the fight scene between King Arthur and Lancelot.

If you are a fan of the movie, there is an entire ‘Excalibur Drive’ you can take to nearly all the filming locations used in the area. 

It’s 65 kilometres and you can relive the adventures of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. 

If you are a fan of the Arthurian Legends then you may also recognise this waterfall in scenes from the King Arthur 2004 movie.

The most famous TV show filmed here in recent years has to be History Channel’s ‘Vikings’. 

In the show, this waterfall was where we are first introduced to Aslaug, Ragnar Lothbrok’s future wife.

Ugh, I’m still SO bitter about that after all this time. Ragnar truly did Lagertha dirty and it was his biggest mistake. That powerful self-respecting queen left him with dignity but she deserved so much better.

Love the Vikings TV series? You can visit Kattegat nearby from Vikings & Vikings of Valhalla. Click here to read my visitor guide to Lough Tay aka Guinness Lake! 

Visit The Bug Buffet Kiosk & playground 

If you didn’t have a picnic but fancy a pick-me-up, you can head back to The Bug Buffet kiosk near the car park.

Here, they serve up hot drinks, cold drinks, snacks, and ice creams throughout the day.

If you have little ones with you, they may enjoy the play park just outside with swings and slides!

Is Powerscourt Waterfall worth it? 

100% YES! Powerscourt Waterfall is well worth visiting and it’s one of the prettiest waterfalls you can visit in Ireland.

The cascade is so dramatic and falls within a scenic valley in the mountains but it’s also very easy to access.

Although there is a small visitor fee, it’s so convenient to park up and visit on a short and simple walk.

There are places to set up a picnic, filming locations to scout, walking trails and wildlife to discover, and places for kids to play. There really is something for everyone here! 

Don’t miss a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall on a road trip through Ireland. You won’t regret it.

My top tips for visiting 

• Visit early, on a weekday or evening – Powerscourt falls can get very busy, especially on weekends. People spend the whole day here as there are picnic areas etc. I would visit on a weekday and either early morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds. I visited around 6 pm in May and had it pretty much to myself.
• Watch out for midges – there were SO many bugs here in summer by the water. Bring DEET if you’re the type they like to bite. They are not poisonous but you’ll get itchy red blotches.
• Be careful exploring – there have been some tragedies here. Recently, a poor boy climbed up the falls, slipped, and fell to his death. So, heed warning signs, be cautious, and watch your step. 
• Commercial photography and drones are banned – you can’t do commercial photoshoots here or fly a drone unless you have prior permission. 

More things to do around Powerscourt estate

Powerscourt Estate is way more than just the waterfall. If you have the time, I would recommend heading to Powerscourt House and Gardens. 

There are 800 years of history on this estate and was home to a medieval castle once upon a time. But, the house is an 18th-century structure built by the 1st Viscount Powerscourt and completed in 1741.

Today, this house is filled with local businesses like the Avoca Terrace Café and boutiques. It’s actually free to enter the shopping area, you only pay to visit the gardens. 

Powerscourt gardens are designed in an Italian style and you can visit 47 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. 

On the way, you’ll see features like the ornamental lake, statues of mythical creatures, Gods and Goddesses, a pet cemetery, and Japanese gardens. 

I loved visiting the Pepperpot Tower in Tower Valley where you can climb up to the top and see sweeping views over the park to Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Fun fact: Pepperpot Tower is where they filmed scenes for The Tudor s TV show. Anne Boleyn is carrying a baby Elizabeth I through the gardens and begs Henry to have mercy.

Discover the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains

After your visit to the Powerscourt Estate, there are plenty of places to visit in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

One of my favourite places has to be the Ballinastoe Woods where you can find a magical boardwalk that feels like you’re in Lord of the Rings.

Nearby is Lough Tay which is also known as the Guinness Lake. It was owned by Arthur Guinness and was used to film Kattegat in Vikings and Vikings of Valhalla . 

If you’re a movie buff, you may like to visit the bridge from P. S. I Love You in Blessington Lakes. 

There is also the Djouce Mountain Walk, Glendalough, Sally Gap Drive, and Killruddy House and Gardens too. 

You could honestly spend a week in County Wicklow and not see everything! 

Extend your stay in the famous Powerscourt Hotel

One of the best hotels in Wicklow, and arguably in all of Ireland, has to be the Powerscourt Hotel on the 1,000-acre estate. 

It’s designed like a Palladian-style palace and has incredible views of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

It’s part of the Autograph Collection and is a 5-star resort that has many luxurious rooms, sumptuous suites, delectable restaurants, and a relaxing spa.

I had the pleasure of staying here and got upgraded to a suite. My room was bigger than an apartment and had two double beds, a huge bathroom, a lounge area, and a walk-in wardrobe. 

The breakfast room overlooked the Sugar Loaf and the grounds were so peaceful and tranquil to explore. 

I would highly recommend staying here if you plan to visit Wicklow. It’s the perfect base to explore the area. 

Click here to book your stay in the Powerscourt Hotel & Spa

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Save how to visit Powerscourt Waterfall for later! 

• Get in Touch

Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens

Immerse yourself in world-class beauty.

Named 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic, lose yourself in 47 acres of carefully curated and maintained gardens. With so many wondrous features to explore and the stunning Powerscourt House listed as one of the top 10 globally (Lonely Planet), there is something to take everyone’s breath away.

Simply Stunning Surroundings

If you enjoy the finer things in life, step into the magical world of Powerscourt Estate, conveniently located just 30 minutes from Dublin. Explore our 47 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and experience the grandeur of the magnificent mansion house. Then, indulge in the very best of Irish design and dining to round out your day.

WORLD’S TOP TEN GARDENS

Acres of gardens, visitors each year.

Take in the breath-taking beauty of the house’s elegant facade and enjoy the jaw-dropping views from the Avoca Terrace Café as you indulge in a spot of delicious dining. When you’ve taken in the grandeur and luxury of the mansion, maybe sample leading Irish design in one of our exciting boutiques.

The dramatic waterfall at Powerscourt is the highest in Ireland, set in beautiful parkland rich in local wildlife. With great amenities and loads of space to walk or play, it provides the perfect setting for a picnic and a stroll to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.

Dive into the wealth of delicious things to eat and drink at Avoca, as you take a restful pause in your explorations at Powerscourt. When you’ve finished your mouth-watering meal, you’ll discover a wealth of exciting Irish design available at Avoca, Neptune and Design Loft. Perfect for gifts or a special something to remember your visit.

Powerscourt is readily accessible by road and rail, just 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre. There are a host of high quality facilities to make your visit more enjoyable

Car From Dublin City Centre / M50 GPS Coordinates: 3°11’05”N 6°11’13”W / 53.18472°N 6.18694°W

Take the N11 southbound (Wexford). At approximately 19km , take exit 7 for Bray south, Enniskerry, Powerscourt Gardens. Turn left at roundabout, over flyover and rejoin N11 heading north. Take first left for Enniskerry Village (Exit 6a). Continue along road to Enniskerry Village. Take the road to the left of the clock tower, in the village square, continue up steep hill for 600m. Powerscourt entrance is on the right-hand side opposite church entrance.

The closest public transportation to the estate is the 185 and 44 bus services which take visitors to Enniskerry village in County Wicklow. Buses run every hour.  

The 44 bus travels direct from City centre to Enniskerry village and takes approx 45 mins to an hour.  

The 185 bus connects Bray to Enniskerry.  

The village is a short walk from the Estate, approximately 20 minutes and we’d advise you to wear comfortable shoes as part of the walk is also uphill.  Be prepared to make your stroll a pleasant one!   

Bus timetables are available here.  

The nearest DART station (rail) to the Estate is Bray, County Wicklow which connects the 185 bus with Dublin City Centre. The rail line runs along the coast of Dublin, from Malahide and Howth southwards as far as Greystones, County Wicklow.

Full timetables for the DART are available here.

You can book to join a group on a bus from Dublin City center to visit Powerscourt Gardens. Hilltoptreks offer Award-winning Guided and Self Guided tours in Wicklow. One of their most popular tours is a day tour which includes Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough. Booking details are below.

Book Powerscourt & Glendalough Tour here.

You can also book with VIP Tours where you enjoy the comfort of a luxury coach as you journey through The Garden of Ireland, visiting Powerscourt Gardens with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Book Wicklow Day Tour here.

Irlanda en Espanol offer Spanish speaking day tours to the Wicklow mountains which include a visit to Powerscourt Gardens.

Book Spanish speaking Wicklow Day Tour here.

If you travel by hire car and use an environmentally friendly electric car you can recharge onsite at our EV charging stations using the EasyGo app.

Find us on EasyGo Location map here

Download EasyGo app here.

The waterfall is 6km away from Powerscourt Gardens and is a separate destination. It’s recommended to drive to the waterfall or to get a local taxi.

GPS Coordinates: 53.1467° N, 6.2105° W The Waterfall is located 6km from Powerscourt Estate. From Dublin City and Wexford take Exit 8. After 2 km take the first right towards Enniskerry and follow the signs for Powerscourt Waterfall.

Powerscourt Waterfall is 6km from Powerscourt Gardens and there’s no public transport between the gardens and the waterfall, however there are number of local taxi companies that will be happy to transport you from the Estate to the Waterfall. Enniskerry Taxis – www.enniskerrytaxis.ie +353 (0) 1 437 2091 MT Cabs – www.mtcabs.ie +353 (0) 1 286 3633

We aim to provide our visitors with the very best standard and array of facilities to help them enjoy their visit.

• Parking: There is ample parking for visitors in our car park. Coach parking is also available for up to 20 coaches.
• Refreshments: The Avoca Terrace Café in Powerscourt House provides a wide range of cuisine and can accommodate up to 160 people.
• Picnics: Picnics are not permitted in Powerscourt Gardens.
• Baby Changing Facilities: Baby changing facilities are available in Powerscourt House.
• Information Guides: We provide information guides in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Chinese to visitors to Powerscourt Gardens.
• Dogs: Unfortunately dogs are not permitted at Powerscourt Gardens or House, with the exception of Guide Dogs.
• Carer & Assistants: Carers travelling with people with disabilities are entitled to free entrance to the Gardens. The site is wheelchair accessible.
• Refreshments: Visitors are welcome to picnic or BBQ at the waterfall. A refreshment kiosk is available during summer months offering coffee, tea, sandwiches and snacks.
• Carer & Assistants: Carers travelling with people with disabilities are entitled to free entrance to the Waterfall.
• Parking & Toilets: There is parking and toilet facilities available at the waterfall.
• Baby Changing Facilities: Baby changing facilities are available at Powerscourt Waterfall.
• Dogs: Dogs are welcome to visit the waterfall. Please keep them on a leash!
• Photography: Visitors are welcome to take photos during their visit to Powerscourt Estate, however commercial photography is not permitted in the Gardens. Please note that drone photography is not permitted at Powerscourt Estate, unless by prior arrangement with the Powerscourt Estate Office.

Powerscourt Estate prides itself on the welcome we offer to all our visitors and being an accessible destination for everyone.

There is good access to the gardens, shops and terrace café and wheelchairs are available to borrow while you enjoy your visit with us. We recommend that these are booked in advance through our reception team to avoid any disappointment. Unfortunately, access to our first floor shops is not possible in a wheelchair as there are several steps.

Wheelchair users and families with buggies will find our attractions easy to access, and our facilities suitably equipped. Those with limited mobility will appreciate the number of benches and picnic tables located in both Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall.

For any queries regarding accessibility, please get in contact with us. We look forward to welcoming you to Powerscourt.

• Parking: Disabled Parking is available in our carpark.
• Drop-off Point: Disabled visitors are welcome to stop at the drop off point at the front of Powerscourt House.
• Carer & Assistants: Carers travelling with people with disabilities are entitled to free entrance to the Gardens.
• Disabled Route: There is a disabled route through Powerscourt Gardens. Our reception team will be delighted to help you with any queries.
• Café: There is disabled access to the Terrace Café and Terrace area.
• Toilets: There are disabled toilets available in Powerscourt House.
• Lift: There is a lift to the ballroom on first floor of Powerscourt House.
• Wheelchairs: There are wheelchairs at our house reception which visitors to the gardens are welcome to use. Please book in advance by phoning +353 (0)1 204 6000 to avoid any disappointment. A €20 refundable deposit is required.
• Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in Powerscourt House, but we welcome Guide Dogs with open arms.
• Parking: There is ample parking at the waterfall, close to the refreshment area and toilet facilities.
• Toilets: There are disabled toilets available at the waterfall.
• Access: The areas surrounding the waterfall are largely accessible for wheelchairs. Please call us on +353 (0)1 204 6000.
• If you have specific queries or ask our staff at the waterfall when you arrive.

Sustainability & Biodiversity

At Powerscourt, we’re blessed with a stunning setting amid the unspoiled Wicklow landscape, a constant reminder of our role as responsible custodians of the natural world. Powerscourt has become Ireland’s first premier visitor attraction to be certified by Sustainable Travel Ireland. We are constantly working on becoming more sustainable, looking to become net zero by 2025 and to protect our rich biodiversity, supporting native flora and fauna for the generations to come.

Experience one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions and a destination like no other. Beyond the entrance gates to the Estate you enter a world full of beauty with 47 acres of gardens to explore, a magnificent House to dine and shop in. An award winning Distillery and golf club and if you want to stay longer you can even stay at Powerscourt Hotel.

Powerscourt Golf Club

Both our East and West Courses are open to visitors 7 days a week and we look forward to welcoming you here.

Powerscourt Distillery

Discover the traditional whiskey making process and sample award-winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys at Powerscourt Distillery.

Powerscourt Hotel

Turn a magical day at the Powerscourt Estate into a memorable mini break, with a luxurious stay at the 5* Powerscourt Hotel, part of the MHL Hotel Collection.

Give Amazing Experiences

Powerscourt gift cards have something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to tailored presents for the garden lover or discerning shopper. Treat your favourite family and friends to an experience they’ll remember forever.

What’s Happening At Powerscourt

Keep up to date on all that’s Happening at Powerscourt Estate and all the wonderful nature-based summer events and experiences.

Poetry in Bloom

Sustainability award, brigit’s weekend – wicklow craft showcase at powerscourt house.

This place is amazing. Soo beautiful. We’ve been many times and each time we love it. We chose to come in May but maybe next time we’ll head over in June hopefully to see all the flowers blooming. The walks are soo relaxing and the view is just amazing. This time we stayed for lunch and cannot praise enough their food. Such fresh and tasty soup and sandwiches and yummy desserts. Cannot wait for our next visit as even if it’s far away from where we live and takes almost 3 hours to drive, it’s just soo beautiful ?

We visited Powerscourt gardens for the first time in late October. The walled gardens still had a colourful display of flowers and shrubs, the trees were in wonderful autumn shades and the Japanese gardens were delightful with the Acers looking very attractive. Powerscourt is certainly worth travelling to see if you are in the area.

I’ve been here many years ago and the grounds are just as beautiful as I remembered. The new addition of shops, Avoca cafe, nursery and distillery just adds even more things to do. This is a great place to stop and spend sometime.

This garden was incredible. We went on a very rainy day and it was difficult to really enjoy the beauty that was there. We quickly walked thru the formal gardens, Japanese garden and tower house. The collection of trees were magnificent but it was raining too hard to read all the labels Would definitely go back if we get a chance.

The walled gardens are the most amazing flowers I have ever seen. I could have looked at them for hours. The rest of the grounds are very beautiful and peaceful when there aren’t large tour groups. The lunch at Avoca is very good, fresh and reasonably priced. You can even have some retail therapy at the stores. Again, the most amazing flowers!!!

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Day Tour from Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Powerscourt

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Entry/Admission - Powerscourt House & Gardens and Powerscourt Waterfall
• Entry/Admission - Powerscourt House & Gardens
• Entry/Admission - Powerscourt Waterfall
• Dublin, Ireland We can pick you up from any meeting point in Dublin area or beyond (in most cases this is the hotel you're staying in or it can be any other pick up point of your choice)
• We can pick you up from any meeting point in Dublin area or beyond (in most cases this is the hotel you're staying in or it can be any other pick up point of your choice)
• Dublin Airport, Dublin Ireland
• Dublin Port Company, Port Centre, Alexandra Rd, North Dock, Dublin 1, D01 H4C6, Ireland
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infant seats available
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Glendalough Monastic Settlement
• Powerscourt House & Gardens
• Guinness Lake

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Dublin Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Powerscourt House & Gardens Stop: 2 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Powerscourt Waterfall Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Glendalough Monastic Settlement Stop: 3 hours See details
• 4 Guinness Lake Stop: 2 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Joan K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific private tour! Our private tour guide was Diana. She picked us up at our Hotel in Temple Bar and spent the day guiding us through some history of a few Boyne Valley Sights: The Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, and Bective Abbey. The Trim Castle Tour was given by an official guide, and was excellent. It was cold, rainy, and sometimes sunny. Diana took good care of us. This was a great way to spend a day with someone else driving and giving expert knowledge of some of the most ancient and historic sights in Ireland. The private tour was well worth the ticket price. We stopped in the village of Trim, near the Trim Castle—had a beautiful homemade soup between stops. We were in a sweet little family luncheonette with excellent service. The HOT soup and the HOT pot of Tea were greatly appreciated on this cold and damp day. (Later in the evening, after the tour, we enjoyed a Guinness😂) Diana could not have been nicer! EXCELLENT GUIDE. Read more Written April 8, 2024
• Patsy S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Private Tour Experience! Diana offered a fantastic experience to Cashel Rock, as well as private tour at the local village museum by the owner, and a castle tour. She is a wonderful host and knowledgeable. She is diligent and committed to providing a premiere tour experience starting with our pick up at our hotel. We will be back, and we will be booking with Diana in the future. We loved all the sites we visited, learned a lot, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Very well done and a highly valued experience. Many thanks! Read more Written March 6, 2024
• SHloves2travel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly Recommend, 3 historical stops Highly recommend! Amazing day spent with the sweet, attentive, and very knowledgeable Diana. This off the beaten path tour is a delight. Diana drove/guided my husband and I to the Hill of Tara, Bective Abbey and Trim Castle. We loved every minute, making three different historical stops in total. I sincerely appreciated how Diana asked us about our interests, so that she could personalize the day. Loved having tea/coffee and scones sat on a historical wall overlooking the Bective Abbey (chair was optional) and surrounding pastoral lands. We made sure to have our tennis shoes/hiking boots on, as the grasses were wet and a bit muddy; it was great fun getting up close and personal with over 5,000 years of Irish history. Also I was impressed how communicative she was prior to the trip; I felt in good hands from the minute I booked. Would not change a thing; bravo Diana for creating a fun enlightening trip. Read more Written October 23, 2023
• GalSiobhan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend! I highly recommend Diana! Very professional and pleasant person. Amazing tours offered. Spactacular views and a variety of hiking options. Read more Written October 17, 2023
• 148dmitrye 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great hike to Wicklow head Great hike to Wicklow Head with Gateway to Ireland Tours. Diana is an awesome guide with great stories about the area and local wildlife. She really feels the audience and sets the hike's pace accordingly. I was there with my 10-year old kid. He was happy - the best indication of the quality. Read more Written September 16, 2023
• Olyaph 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great hike I was on this group guided hike in Wicklow. The tour was helpful because i don't have a car and the guide picked me up at dart station snd brought back after. Also guide’s insights about history, plants, etc were valuable. Nature sights are terrific! Everything was well organized. Read more Written September 16, 2023
• olgakE5675CR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sunday hike with a view and in great company We had a lovely Sunday experience together with Diana at Wicklow Cliff Walk. She is a great organiser and a passionate person interested in what she is doing. Diana met us at Dart station and drove us to a convenient starting point. The pace of the hike was customised to our group so we had plenty of time for enjoying the views, watching birds and grey seals. Read more Written September 16, 2023
• aylivex 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hike along Glen Beach Cliff Walk and Wicklow Head I enjoyed hiking with Gateway to Ireland Tours. I have no car, and Diana, the tour guide, provided a transfer for me to the starting point and back to Greystones station. In a small group, we hiked the Glen Beach Cliff Walk to Wicklow Head. Along the way, Diana told us about the history of Wicklow town and Ireland, about the wildlife while we enjoyed looking at seals and birds. She does so in an interactive way, members of the group can share their own experiences, which makes the tour even more interesting. We were so lucky to visit the apartment inside the old lighthouse. In the end of the hike, Diana offered a picnic: tea, coffee and treats — exactly what's needed. Some people went for a swim in the sea. It was a day to remember. I absolutely recommend hikes with Gateway to Ireland Tour, you would enjoy the beautiful landscapes, learn about birds and animals who inhabit the area and about the history of Ireland. Read more Written September 10, 2023
• ekaterinapZ5181GU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic way to explore Irish history and natural beauty in just one day It was an amazing day that exceeded all expectations! We have visited 3 key sights of the area: Hill of Tara, Bective Abbey and Trim Castle. The tour was perfectly planned and balanced. We delved into Ireland's history with an enthusiastic guide Diana who added depth to the experience. The guide's knowledge and passion were evident throughout, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey. This tour is a fantastic way to explore Irish history and natural beauty in just one day. We left with a deep appreciation for Ireland's heritage and cherished memories. Highly recommended! Read more Written September 3, 2023
• Trek37194354265 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable impressions It was my first hike and I still have beautiful pictures of nature and a lot of cool emotions! I learned a lot of interesting things about nature and locals, and also plunged into the distant history of this area. Read more Written August 23, 2023

More to explore in Dublin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Day Tour from Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Powerscourt provided by Gateway to Ireland Tours - Personal Tours from Dublin to Ireland's Popular Attractions and Hidden Gems

Powerscourt & Glendalough Day Tour.

• Glendalough (Admission Included)
•  Entrance into Powerscourt Estate & Gardens (Voted Top 3 Gardens in the world by National Geographic)
• Powerscourt Waterfall (Admission Included)
• Lough Tay (Guinness lake)
• Driving Tour of Dublin's Fair City
• Sally Gap & Wicklow Mountains
• See The Spectacular Scenery of the valley of the two lakes
• All Admissions Included
• Depart From Anywhere In Dublin City
• Flexible Departure Time To Suit You
• Flexible Custom Itinerary Planned Around You
• Your Own Experienced & Fun Local Driver/Guide
• Modern Luxury Air-Conditioned Private Mini Bus
• Full Comprehensive Touring Day

Dublin to Powerscourt

Leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin behind to journey your way through the picturesque Dun Laoghaire, Sandycove and victorian town of Enniskerry towards Powerscourt Estate and Gardens.

Powerscourt Gardens are one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. They were recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres, so take a walk and explore before stopping off in Avoca Cafe in Powerscourt House.

Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft.) it is set at the foothills of the beautiful Wicklow Mountains.

Glendalough to Dublin

The next leg of the trip is to the monastic site of Glendalough. This site dates back to 600 AD and it played an important role in reintroducing Christianity after the Dark Ages. St. Kevin founded his monastery and round tower here, this later developed into Ireland's most important Monastic city.

Absorb the stunning scenery, beautiful lakes and dense rich forests as we make our way through the Wicklow countryside towards Dublin. We'll visit the breathtaking Sally Gap and Lough Tay also known as Guinness Lake for its dark waters and white sand beach. This brings your Irish adventure to an end as we transport you back to Dublin after a day full of great memories.

Day Tour To Wicklow Glendalough & Powerscourt From Dublin

Choice of Visiting Powerscourt Gardens, Guided Walk or Horse-Riding.

“Take it from me! … The best thing we did in Ireland! This tour is fantastic. You get to see some of the best natural scenery Ireland has to offer, and all within 8 hours. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and entertaining. I also really like a smaller group setting which allowed us to get to know the guide and fellow passengers better. Please don’t miss Glendalough upper lake!” – Tripadvisor – Nov 27, 2023

Day tour of Wicklow Glendalough & Powerscourt From Dublin.

With activity options of horseback riding or guided walk.

Tour Costs: 

• Seniors (60+) Students, Children (5-16yrs) : €62
• Tour with Guided Walk: €75
• Tour with Horseback Riding: €125

NOTE: Reduced admission fee into Powerscourt is not included in cost Small Groups Tours: 16 persons max. Pickup at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:20am Operates Daily.

Award Winning Day Tours from Dublin

Guaranteed departures on our day tours from Dublin.

Fully Qualified and Friendly Guides on all our Tours.

Small Group Tours (Group size of 16ppl) or Private Tours

Our eco-friendly tours support local communities.

The Best Day Tour of Wicklow Glendalough & Powerscourt from Dublin.

Activity options of a guided walk or horse riding.

Highlights: Powerscourt House & Gardens, Enniskerry, Guided Walk or Horse Riding, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Lough Tay, Sally Gap, Guinness Estate and Glendalough.

Lough Tay, Wicklow

About our Day Tours to Wicklow from Dublin

This Award-winning Day Tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt leaves from Dublin Daily. There are options on this tour to visit the Powerscourt Gardens (discounted rate of €8 not covered in cost), enjoy a Guided Walk or Horse-Ride in the Wicklow Mountains.

Your tour starts with a pickup from Dublin and a scenic drive south into the Wicklow mountains to visit some of its best locations. The guides are very friendly and full of local history and stories of both Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains and will keep you informed along the way.

The first stop on the tour is Enniskerry the film location of “ P.S. I Love You ” and “ Leap Year ”. It is a small picturesque Victorian estate village in Wicklow next to the Powerscourt Gardens.

Here you are brought to your chosen activity or the Powerscourt House & Gardens.

Powerscourt Gardens

About the Activities: The activities are approx. 1.5hrs in length and suitable for both beginners and the more experienced alike.

The Guided walk takes place close by on what is known as the “scalp”, there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, across the Irish sea and coastline.

The Horse Rising takes place at a local stables where you are first assessed, booted and helmet. Then taken out on a trail through some beautiful Irish landscape. The stables have many horses and can cater for complete beginners to more advanced riders.

The Powerscourt Gardens (discounted rate not covered in cost). The Gardens were Voted No. 3 in the World’s Top 10 Best Gardens by the National Geographic. The gardens are absolutely incredible and have been designed over 100’s of years by the Powerscourt family.

Horse Riding in Wicklow

After your activity or visit to Powerscourt we all meet back up and take a break for lunch in Enniskerry. We like to go to a local cafe here called “ Poppies ” , who offer a wide selection of lunches. From their Poppies pie to soup, sandwiches, salads and excellent deserts. They also cater for vegetarians.

The day tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt continues after lunch through the Wicklow Mountains. With stops along the way to show you some of the best of Wicklow’s wonderful highlights.

Including the Wicklow Mountains National Park, The Sally Gap, Lough Tay, the Guinness Lake (film location of “ Excalibur ” and “ Brave Heart ”). The film location of  “ P.S. I Love You ” and its famous bridge, Glendalough and its 6th century monastic site.

There are many stops as we make our way towards Glendalough to take some wonderful scenic pictures.

On reaching Glendalough, your guide will show you around the 6th century Monastic site of St. Kevin. They will also explain some of the areas history and folklore to you. The Glendalough valley is beautiful and is the gem of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Afterwards we will return to Dublin for approx. 17:30.

Guided Walk in Wicklow

We are honored to have received such recognition for our tours and would like to thank those who gave us such great reviews. We would also like to thank our great guides who really where the ones who gained this award.

• The tours are small group s with 16 persons max per coach, making sure you are well looked after along the way.
• All the guides are local, fully qualified and full of the history and stories of the Wicklow mountains and other locations. Giving you the best insight into this part of Ireland.
• Larger groups can be also catered for.

Booking Confirmation for Day tour of Wicklow Glendalough & Powerscourt from Dublin.

• You will receive a confirmation email and voucher instantly after booking

• In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email

Save Paper: You do not need to print your confirmation as the Guide will have your name on his list for the tour.

Note that the horse riding is provided by a third party.

Cancellation Policy for our day tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt.

• A cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 24hrs in advance, or in case of no-show. • A cancellation fee of 50% applies for cancellations made less than 48hrs in advance. • No cancellation fee applies for cancellations made 2 or more days in advance.

If you cannot make the tour on the date requested and you contact us with in 48hrs of your tour date, then we may be able to provide an alternative date depending on availability.

BOOK THE BEST DAY OF TOUR OF THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS, GLENDALOUGH & POWERSCOURT.

See what other happy visitors had to say, take it from me.

The best thing we did in Ireland! This tour is fantastic. You get to see some of the best natural scenery Ireland has to offer, and all within 8 hours. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and entertaining. I also really like a smaller group setting which allowed us to get to know the guide and fellow passengers better. Please don’t miss Glendalough upper lake!

Date of experience: Nov 2023

Get up and out and see Ireland’s natural beauty !

This tour company specializes in bringing folks out to the Irish countryside and provides a refreshing alternative to the standard “on the bus, off the bus” options. If you are an active person or group – this is your option.

The rugged (and tamed portions of the) Irish countryside are worthwhile to see up front and personal. On our trip to Wicklow, participants chose to hike, horseback, or just see exquisite award-winning gardens.

Our horseback riding was “on target” – trail riding into the national park forest where we even were able to get up close to wild deer. The stable chose the right horses for the different levels of skill and allowed those of us who wanted and were able to actually seriously ride. Afternoon included spectacular scenery and a nice 45 min nature walk that included ancient ruins of an old Monastery town. The guide was well informed, entertaining, and provided great insights into the Irish culture, history and mindset.

Date of experience: April 2016

Amazing Day Tour and best Tour Guide Robert.

Date of experience: April 2019

Pick Up Location

Pickup Location From our Day Tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt.

Dublin   Molly Malone statue – Suffolk St:  9:20am

Other Pickups are available upon request for groups of 10+

Return to Dublin for 5:30pm

What to bring

For the Day tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt we recommend you bring

• Comfortable walking shoes / trainers
• Rain gear, just in case
• Wear Jeans if you doing the Horse Riding, (Boots, Helmet are supplied by the stable)

Customer Reviews

Frequently asked questions about our day tour of Wicklow Glendalough and Powerscourt from Dublin.

What does your Transport look like? We use small white buses with “Hilltoptreks” written on them.

Do I need to print my Ticket? No, Once you book online, Your name and details are on the guides list for your tour.

Tour with Guided Walk:

• It’s highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes/boots when you pick this package

Tour with Horse Riding:

• Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
• You’ll be provided with horse riding equipment
• Make sure to wear trousers on the date of the tour if you pick this package
• Maximum weight requirement for males is 15 stone (210 pound/95 kilograms). For females, it’s 16 stone (224 pounds/102 kilograms)
• Minimum age requirement: Age 13.

Do you have to do an activity? No, You can choose to visit the Powerscourt Gardens.

Do you need to be an experienced Horse rider? No, The stables can cater for all abilities from Beginner to the more experienced.

How long is the Walk? The walk is approx 1.5hrs in length and of an easy type but gives you some great views.

You May Also Like

Day tour of the boyne valley, newgrange, celts and castles: newgrange,  trim castle, hill of tara, day tour of wicklow, glendalough and kilkenny, wicklow, glendalough, kilkenny and more, private and personal tours of ireland, private tours of wicklow, cliffs of moher, newgrange and more..

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Dodder Valley Park,

Firhouse Dublin 24,

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Email: [email protected]

Skype : Hilltoptreks

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The High Circuit of Powerscourt Waterfall Day Hike

The high circuit of powerscourt waterfall, (easy hike level) approx. 3-4 hours and 10km long.

See next Trips below:   Duration: 3.5 hours

TRIP DETAILS

We will meet at Deerpark carpark at Ballinteskin near Enniskerry Wicklow. This is a lovely gentle hike, ideal for those starting out and want something to give a little challenge with epic views and stunning forest walks . All or mostly on good fire trails and walking trails .

Our hike starts on a lovely gentle slope upwards, here we will walk through some old mixed forests  We get glimpses of the Powerscourt waterfall way over and below us through gaps in the trees We will cross a stream and then we pop out into the open ground under Djouce ( we won’t venture up here today). We arrive at our high point at 410m and here we will have more amazing views of the Wicklow mountains and the Glensoulan valley.

Now we are walking on the famous Wicklow way, as we head South across the footbridge over the Dargle river, which flows on over to form the Powerscourt waterfall. We continue along the trail, all the while looking over the edge into powerscourt valley . Finally we leave the path and follow a secret trail down and back across the lower Powerscourt valley. We continue gently up again, on some magical trails through old forests and eventually back to the car.

• What's Included

Start Time: 10am

Deerpark carpark at Ballinteskin near Enniskerry Wicklow

EXPECTED DURATION

Approx. 3.5 hours long

EXPECTED TERRAIN

Generally good trails of hardcore but some short stretches on open hillside and forest trails.

• Price € 30.00

Minimum of 4 people require for hike to run

A professional qualified mountain leader with first aid certification and insurance. A passion to share the area we know so well. Including sharing stories of the amazing history over thousands of years. Pointing out the Flora and Fauna of the area and sharing an understanding of the geology of the area of Wicklow.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Waterproof boots or sturdy runners and rainproof clothing are always needed. Please do not wear jeans walking trousers are advised and comfortable upper clothing, if possible avoid cotton as it tends to get wet and make you feel cold. Bring spare warm layer e.g. fleeces, Down jackets; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in. Walking poles are optional. Flask of hot tea or coffee if prepared to carry it. Camera and sunscreen.  Ensure you bring any of your own essential medicines.

BOOK THIS TOUR

If you’d like more information on this tour or wish to change aspects of it to suit your needs, please Contact Us.

OTHER TOURS

One Day Navigation Course

Climb Lugnaquilla from Glenmalure, Fraughan Glen

Strenuous hike: Duration About 6 hours

The Derrybawn Ridge Mullacor and the Spinc, Glendalough

Co. Wicklow

Moderate hike: Duration About 4-4.5 hours

(Easy Hike level) Approx. 3-3.5 hours and 9.5km long.

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Powerscourt House and Gardens: all you need to know for visiting

All you need to know to plan a visit to Powerscourt House and Garden, award-winning gardens in the East of Ireland.

Powerscourt Estate is one of the most famous attractions in Ireland.

Located in County Wicklow , less than an hour south of Dublin, Powerscourt is an elegant estate with impeccably maintained gardens, developing in front of a breathtaking view of the Wicklow Mountains.

The estate is a must-see for garden lovers but has something to offer to many types of travelers: if you are exploring Ireland with kids, looking for an easy day trip from Dublin or in the mood for a walk in stunning surroundings, you simply cannot miss Powerscourt!

Table of Contents

How to get to Powerscourt from Dublin

Powerscourt Estate is in County Wicklow, immediately to the Sout of Dublin, and is easy to reach by car or joining one of the many coach tours available from Dublin.

Going by car, you need to go South and follow for Enniskerry, the small town around the estate.

The gardens are well signposted and he drive from Dublin is easy (no mountain roads if you go via the motorway): ample parking is available, free of charge inside the estate.

If you prefer not to drive, you can easily visit Powerscourt joining a coach tour from Dublin. The tours usually last a day and include other attractions in the area, helping you make the most of your day in Wicklow.

One I like and that also brings you to stunning Glendalough is this one (it also has an excellent cancellation policy, should you need to stay flexible)

Good to know : Powerscourt is served by two different car parks, one in the main area where the house and gardems are and the other one near the waterfall. The two areas are distant from each other: make sure you park close to the area of your choice.

What there is to do in Powerscourt

Powerscourt Estate is vast and has much to offer to its visitors. These are the main things to do in Powerscourt Estate.

Visit the Italian Gardens

The main things to see in Powerscourt estate are its world-famous gardens.

They develop at the back of the house, sloping gently towards the Wicklow mountains, grandly opening up in front of them, and are so expansive you can easily spend a couple of hours here just wandering around their manicured footpaths.

The gardens are organized in different areas and they are all worth visiting.

The first you encounter as soon as you get to the back of the Estate are the Italian gardens.

They were designed by architect Roberston in 1848 and it took 12 years and 100 men for them to come to completion!

Indeed, the result is wonderful. The gardens deep over several terraces decorated with sculptures and flowers, and they slope gently towards an artificial lake, with a statue of a triton in its center.

Fun fact ! The statue of the Triton in Powerscourt is based on that by Bernini in Piazza Barberini in Rome!

Relax in the Japanese gardens

Farther down the estate, at the bottom of the Italian gardens lies one of my favorite areas in Powerscourt the Japanese gardens. These are lovely, relaxing gardens crossed by a lovely footpath and decorate with a little Japanese style temple.

Make sure you also visit not just this garden but also the area at its back with the Pepperpot Tower: the tower itself is charming and the view from here fabulous! This is one of the best bits of Powerscourt for kids.

Take a moment at the pet cemetery

On the opposite side of the Triton lake from the Japanese garden lies the small pet cemetery, where the family pets of the Wingfield and Slazenger who lived here.

The pet cemetery is a lovely, quiet corner and is particularly nice in late spring / early summer when the flowers in this part of the estate come into full bloom.

Explore the walled garden

Between the pet cemetery and the main house lies the lovely Powerscourt wall garden is also known as the ‘Kitchen garden’. This is the part of the estate where herbs and produce come from and is a lovely and relaxing place, perfect also to visit with young kids thanks to its flat paths.

Eat cake at the house cafe’

Powerscourt House hosts a lovely Avoca cafe with an excellent choice of cakes in particular (if you taste them and like them, you can even buy the cafe cookbook and try your hand at that at home!)

The cafe’ gets busy but it is worth a stop especially in the good season when you can sit in its stunning terrace overlooking the gardens.

Visit the Powerscourt Distillery

if you love whiskey, then you may enjoy a tour of the Fercullen Irish Whiskey distillery inside Powerscourt house. The distillery is a recent addition to the Powrcourt attractions since it opened its doors in 2019 and offers and excellent tour of its facilities complete, of course, with a whiskey tasting (actually, 4!).

You can see what the tour entails, cost and book your ticket here

The cool planet experience

Another relatively new addition to Powersoucrt and one of the best things to do in Powerscourt if you are visiting with young kids or teenagers is the Cool Planet Experience , and interactive exhibition teaching about climate change.

The experience is wonderful: you walk across several rooms, following a pre-ordered path and you get interactive activities that help you learn about climate change and, even better, help you understand what actions you can personally take in your daily life to help tackle the problem!

The experience is wonderful for school ages kids and teenagers but it great for adults too so I highly recommend you take it with them!

Have a picnic at Powerscourt waterfall

Powerscourt waterfall on the opposite side of the estate from the house and, as I mentioned at the beginning, is served by a different entrance and parking. If you intend to visit both parts of the estate, which is perfectly doable in a day. you will have to drive from one to the other.

The waterfall is a very different type of attraction: here you don’t have manicures gardens but a wonderful waterfall and picnic area that regularly attracts local families in spring and summer weekend.

If you have children, this is a lovely spot as there is a nice playground with sand especially toddlers adore.

Powerscourt with kids

Powerscourt House and Hardens can be a lovely destination for a family day out in Wicklow however, it depends on what you expect.

Powerscourt is excellent for kids if you are looking for large spaces for toddlers to run or if you come on one of the days with kids events (we met Santa here and it was amazing!). It is also great if you have a pic-nic with the kids at the waterfall or if you go to the excellent Cool Planet Experience.

however, Powerscourt doesn’t have a playground and is not a place to kick a ball so if you are looking for that type of entertainment, maybe this is not the best choice.

Baby changing facilities are available both in the main area and at the waterfall. most areas of the main gardens are stroller friendly.

Where to eat in Powerscourt

There are a few options if you want to have a meal in Powerscourt. if you want coffee and cake, then you can eat at the terrace cafe in the main house, which has a view over the Italian gardens.

If you prefer, you can also have a nice meal in the Powerscourt hotel which is usually quieter and has lovely views over the mountains and a good option for lunch and afternoon tea.

Mama Loves Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! A thousand times welcome! I am a travel-loving Italian Mama lucky enough to call Ireland her home. Let my articles help you plan your trip to Ireland and get ready to fall in love with the Emerald Isle, just like I did. With love. M x

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Powerscourt Waterfall

Wicklow Mountains

On the southern edge of the Powerscourt Estate , 6km south of Powerscourt House, is this picturesque waterfall. At 121m it's the highest in Ireland (though it's a cascade, rather than a single drop) and is at its most impressive after heavy rain. The waterfall is signposted from the main estate entrance; walking is not recommended, as the route lies on narrow roads with no footpath.

A nature trail around the base of the waterfall takes you past giant redwoods, ancient oaks, beech, birch and rowan trees. There are plenty of birds in the vicinity, including the chaffinch, cuckoo, chiffchaff, raven and willow warbler.

Powerscourt Estate

Get In Touch

https://www.powerscourt.com/waterfall

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