Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a romantic stroll through the ornate Italian garden and formal walks of the rose and kitchen gardens. Unique features include the Japanese garden which offers a maze of walkways and hidden grottos and largest Pet Cemetery in Ireland.
You should visit Powerscourt Gardens not only because it is located in Wicklow and approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, but also because it is no.3 in the world’s Top Ten Gardens (National Geographic). More than this here you will find 7 others reasons to spend a great time in Powerscourt Gardens.
1. THE ITALIAN GARDEN
The Italian Garden truly offers the best of garden landscaping and design. Cast your eye towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain beyond the gardens and enjoy one of the best views in Ireland. The terraces you are standing on were designed in the 1840’s by architect Daniel Robertson and took 100 men over 12 years to build! Enjoy exciting sculptures of Gods and myths including statues of Apollo Belvedere and Diana, collected by the 6th and 7th Lord Powerscourt on their travels to Europe.
2. THE WALLED GARDEN
The Walled Gardens are one of the oldest parts of the gardens and feature fascinating plants along Ireland’s largest herbaceous border. Here you can find Julia’s Memorial, a calm reflective pond built in honour of the 7th Viscount’s mother. Enjoy the vibrant colours and beautiful scents of the rose garden. Don’t miss the 240 years old Bamberg Gate which came from the Cathedral at Bamberg in Germany.
3. DOLPHIN POND
The 7th Viscount bought the Dolphin pond in Paris in the late 19thCentury. It is surrounded by magnificent trees, including a line of Japanese red cedars which were planted in 1864. Admire the intricate ironwork of ‘The English Gate’ and its rose, thistle and shamrock motifs representing England, Scotland and Ireland.
4. PET CEMETERY
One of the Ireland’s largest pet cemeteries, this is the resting place of many of the family pets. The interesting and amusing pet names will give you some great ideas for naming your next pet! From here, take a stroll along the beautiful Rhododendron Walk.
5. TRITON LAKE
The fountain in this dramatic lake is based on the fountain in Piazza Barberini in Rome. Can you spot the tiny boathouse adjoining the lake? Draw inspiration from the silver winged horses which form part of the family coat of arms.
6. THE JAPANESE GARDEN
Get a glimpse into a different world in this garden, created by the 8thViscount and Viscountess Powerscourt in 1908. Enjoy the sight and perfume of Azaleas, Japanese Maples and Chinese Fortune Palms. The grotto is one of the oldest features of Powerscourt Gardens and offers secret pathways to explore and an air of 18th-century romance.
7. TOWER VALLEY
Look up at the trees around you with their different form, powerful trunks and intriguing textures. The trees at Powerscourt have been planted over the past two centuries and there are now hundreds of varieties for you to enjoy. In tower Valley you will find the pepperpotTower which was modelled on a favourite pepperpot from a Lord Powerscourt’s dining table.