Powerscourt House & Gardens

If you’re looking to get out of Dublin for an afternoon I’d highly suggest Powerscourt House & Gardens for an afternoon. It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar and will give you a gorgeous sense of the Irish countryside.

Getting There: 

Located 30 minutes outside of Dublin you can either drive there or get the no.44 bus to Enniskerry and then walk up to Powerscourt. From the bus stop right to Powerscourt you’re talking about 20 minutes walk to get to the garden entrance – so do take that into account if you’re getting public transport.

Alternatively, take the DART out southbound to Bray and then take the No. 185 bus from Bray Dart Station to Enniskerry. Some of these buses also go right up to Powerscourt – Check times in advance mind!

Prices: 

If you’re going out that way I’d 100% recommend paying to visit the gardens. At €10.50 it’s a great price for what you get, especially if you’ve lucked out on the weather

• Adult: €10.50
• Student: €8.50
• Senior: €8.50
• Child (Under 13) €5.00
• Child (Under 5) Free
• Family Ticket €25.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children) SAVE €11.00 with the family ticket.

There’s so many gorgeous gardens to visit from the Japanese Garden to the Italian Garden you won’t be bored. It’s a lovely walk around, but not too vast either. Take your time and wander. Relax and sit down and watch the world go by.

Gardens:

• Italian Garden – the one you can’t miss, my tip is when you’ve done half the circle (Triton Lake) look back at the Powerscourt House and admire it’s beauty from that side!
• The Tower Garden – You can climb up the tower for a great few.
• The Japanese Gardens – most people’s personal favourite, it can get a bit crowded, but if you walked up the staircase (you can’t miss it) there’s a bench at the top where you can marvel at the beauty of these gardens in relative peace!
• Triton Lake – like I’ve mentioned this is a nice view point.
• Pet Cemetery – This cemetery houses some peoples beloved friends.
• Dolphin Pond
• Rose Garden – This was quieter than I expected, and one of my favourite gardens!

After exploring the gardens, it’s time to relax at the Avoca terrace café in the Powerscourt House. Enjoy home-made Irish artisan food including breads, fresh salads and delicious cakes. After you’re fed and watered enjoy wandering the different rooms of Avoca – this is a great opportunity to pick up some homemade Irish produce too!

So if you’re looking for a little escape from Dublin, you won’t regret taking the trip to Powerscourt. Even if you’re a born and bred Dubliner, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon!