Powerscourt derives its
name from the Anglo-Norman
le Poer family who arrived in Ireland in the 12th century, the le
Poer's built a castle which at various times in succeeding centuries
was held by the Fitzgerald's, Earls of Kildare and the O'Tooles
After 1603 the powerscourt estate was granted
to an English soldier Sir Richard Wingfield, knighted in 1600 for
his successful military campaigns in Ireland, Flanders, France and
Portugal. The Wingfield family were to remain in control of Powerscourt
for around 350 years
Powerscourt Gardens and house are situated
19 Km (12 MI) south of
Dublin in the foothills of the Wicklow
Mountains. The house and gardens were remodeled by Richard Wingfield
(1697-1751) in the 1740's the German architect born architect, Richard
Castle.
The Palladian mansion was built around the
existing castle, the central courtyard was converted into an entrance
hall, with a grand ballroom above. This building was only two storey's
a third storey was added in 1787, with further alterations carried
out in the 19th century. The interior of Powerscourt is arguably
one of the finest in Ireland
Extending to over 45 acres they are a blend of
formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together
with rambling walks, walled gardens the garden is said to have over over
200 species of trees and shrubs. About 5 km from the formal Gardens is
Ireland's Highest Waterfall 135 meters (443 Ft) into the Dargle Valley.
In the Waterfall area many species of birds are
to be seen and heard such as the Chifchaff,
Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and Willow Warbler. In the valley is the remnants
of an ancient forest with Oaks, Beech, Birch and Rowan.
George IV visited Powerscourt in 1821, as part
of the planned entertainment the waterfall was dammed, the intention being
to released it in a mighty torrent. The king spent longer over dinner
than planned and didn't get to see the spectacle. Which was fortuitous
for him, because when the water was released a bridge which had been specially
constructed as a viewing point was swept away by the raging water.
The house was partially destroyed by fire in 1974
losing its roof and much of the top floor, it lay until 1996 when a massive
restoration project began to restore the house to its former glory.
Powerscourt
Enniskerry
Co. Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000
Fax: +353 (0)1 204 6900 E Mail Web Site
Powerscourt
Gardens and House
Powerscourt is open to the public, the magnificent
ballroom can be hired for weddings and corporate events, visit Powerscourt
website
for more information..
In the hall is an exhibition chronicling
the history of the house and estate. In the grounds is an eighteen
hole golf course.
of
Dublin in the foothills of the