Powerscourt Gardens: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

Take a memorable day trip from Dublin to the Powerscourt Gardens, known as the Garden of Ireland, listed No. 3 in the world’s top 10 gardens by National Geographic.

With the magnitude of these beautiful gardens stretching over 40 acres, you will enjoy a leisurely stroll through all different types of flowers, plants and trees.

On your Powerscourt Gardens day trip, there are many historical sites to see, many of which are famous locations where movies were filmed such as “Ella Enchanted” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

How to get to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin?

Powerscourt is located in Enniskerry about 20 kilometers south of Dublin and can be reached by bus, car or a guided tour. Whatever your choice, you will see amazing scenery and one of the most magnificent gardens in the world.

From Dublin to Powerscourt by car

It is about a 37-minute drive in light traffic on a day trip to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin. If you choose to rent a car, there are three international car rental services in Dublin.

From Dublin to Powerscourt by bus/train

The public bus route is available from Hawkins Street in Central Dublin to Enniskerry, which is about 500 meters from the gate of Powerscourt.

Alternatively, the Dublin Area Rapid Transit takes you to Bray where you can take the bus to Enniskerry.

Guided tour to Powerscourt from Dublin

Joining a guided tour is a hassle-free way to enjoy the scenery along your trip. Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, lunch and a knowledgeable tour guide to provide history and local highlights.

How much does the ticket to Powerscourt Gardens cost?

You can order tickets in advance online or pay at the entrance. The price includes access to the garden and river walk.

• Adults (16+): €11.50
• Seniors: €9
• Students: €8.50
• Children (5 to 15): €5
• Children under 5: Free

There are also Powerscourt Memberships available. These include year-round access to the gardens, waterfall and river walk.

• Individual Membership: €95
• Couple Membership: €130
• Family Membership: €160

If you choose to visit the Powerscourt Waterfall, there is a separate admission fee.

• Adults (16+): €6.50
• Seniors and students: €5.50
• Children (2 to 16): €3.50
• Children under 2: Free
• Family: €16

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Powerscourt Gardens?

Your day tour to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin starts with a pickup at the Molly Malone statue or your hotel. You have the choice of taking a motorcoach tour or a private tour in a luxury car.

Explore Wicklow Mountains National Park with its scenic landscapes and unspoiled wilderness. You will make a stop at Lough Tay, part of the Guinness Estate — this is where the “Excalibur” and “Brave Heart” movies were filmed. You have another photo opportunity at the “P.S. I Love You Bridge” film location.

At Sally Gap, you will enjoy the streams and meadows, and occasionally, a few sheep. The picturesque village of Enniskerry is where you will explore Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall. Your jaunt continues with a visit to Avoca to shop for handicrafts and a lunch stop.

On your return journey, visit the sixth-century St. Kevin’s Monastery in Glendalough.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Powerscourt Gardens?

Tour operators offer a variety of day tours to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin. You can choose among a bus, small group or private tours.

Small group tour to Powerscourt Gardens plus Wicklow and Glendalough from Dublin

On a day trip to Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough from Dublin by bus, you will stop for lunch and then, visit the sixth-century St. Kevin’s Monastery. On your return journey, you'll enjoy the picturesque Wicklow Mountains.

A small group tour starts with pickup at your Dublin hotel in a private vehicle. Your Powerscourt Gardens excursion includes a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall, Avoca, the Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Guinness Lake Lough Tay and a drive through the Wicklow Mountains.

Private tour to Powerscourt Gardens plus Glendalough and Wicklow from Dublin

Take an exclusive, private tour to the Powerscourt Gardens in a luxury vehicle such as a Mercedes Benz S/E Class 220. For the journey to Powerscourt Gardens, your driver and professional guide will pick you up at your hotel, port or airport in Dublin at your choice of departure time. Take a scenic drive through Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Your stops include Guinness Estate Lough Tay, Powerscourt Gardens, Avoca, a lunch stop in Enniskerry and then, visit the monastery in Glendalough. Before returning to Dublin, you will see the Russborough House and the Blessington Lakes.

Spanish tour to Powerscourt plus Glendalough from Dublin

For those who prefer a Spanish-speaking tour, this day trip to Powerscourt Gardens will give you the history of Wicklow, as you pass through the beautiful scenery. After a stop at the gardens, you'll enjoy a traditional Irish stew lunch.

How much does a tour to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin cost?

Day tours to Powerscourt Gardens from Dublin vary in price depending on the number of stops and type of transportation. Bus tours start at US$37, small group tours start at US$505, and private tours go upwards to US$1,421. All tours start with a pickup and end with a drop-off in Dublin.

What will you see and do in Powerscourt Gardens?

You will visit a blend of formal gardens with sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes during your day trip to Powerscourt Gardens.

From the Italian Garden section, you can look toward Sugarloaf Mountain and see some of the fantastic views of Ireland. Part of the gardens is the resting place for the loved pets of the Wingfield and Slazenger families from a half-century ago. The tombstones have fascinating names and history.

Powerscourt Waterfall

Located 6 kilometers from the gardens, you’ll find the majestic Powerscourt Waterfall. It is the second-highest waterfall in Ireland at over 120 meters. There is a 1.5-kilometer walking path that is generally nice and flat.

Powerscourt House

In 1730, the first Viscount Powerscourt commissioned a German architect to construct a 68-room mansion, which was completed in 1741. The series of terraces linking the house to beautiful Triton Lake took 12 years to build.

Since then, the estate has been expanded and it still maintains its 18th-century interiors in the style of an Italian villa.

Avoca

This Irish-run company started as a cooperative manufacturer in 1723 where farmers could spin and weave their wool. It is a great place to shop for handicrafts, signature throws and blankets, or enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack.

When is the Powerscourt Gardens open over the year?

Powerscourt is open year-round except for Dec. 25 and 26. The Powerscourt Waterfall is closed from Dec.11 to Dec.26

What are the opening times?

Powerscourt Gardens is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM except in December and January when they close about half an hour earlier at dusk.

The Powerscourt Waterfall hours change throughout the year:

• 10:30 AM - 4 PM — January, February, November and December
• 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM — March, April, September and October
• 9:30 AM - 7 PM — May, June, July and August

When is the best time to visit Powerscourt Gardens?

The gardens are beautiful year-round, however, the best time to visit is April through August when flowers are blooming. The temperatures are moderate with an average of 15 degrees Celsius in summer and 7 degrees Celsius in winter.

Travel tips

• Bring comfortable walking shoes or trainers, rain gear, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Always be prepared for unpredictable weather and dress in layers. It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or light jacket, as it rains frequently.
• Make sure to have all your electronic equipment fully charged, as you will be taking lots of photos during your exciting jaunt to Powerscourt Gardens.