Powerscourt Gardens, County Wicklow, Ireland
We collected our hire care from Avis to start our circumnavigation of Ireland. We were given a free upgrade - a Peugot SUV and, I would have to say, it was one of the most comfortable cars I've travelled in!. Thanks Avis! Powerscourt is just over 30 minutes south of Dublin down the motorway. The house and gardens were built in the 1730s by Richard Wingfield, the Ist Viscount Powerscourt. However it was the 7th and 8th Viscounts who redesigned and added to the gardens in 1875 to what we see today. The 7th Viscount loved collecting bits and pieces on his overseas jaunts - statues from Paris to the more exotic 240 year old Bamberg Gate which came from the Cathedral of Bamberg in Germany. He liked the fountain in Piazza Barberini in Rome so much that he had a replica made for his lake which he named Triton lake! I wonder if he asked the Italians if he could have the original!!
The seats in front of the lake were the perfect spot to have our morning tea before exploring in earnest. This is the Italian garden and is designed to showcase the beautiful view looking towards Sugarloaf Mountain across the lake. The sun came out periodically and it was a very pleasant spot to admire the lush green lawns and garden beds.
Pepperpot Tower
From the Italian garden, we followed our map to Tower Valley. This tower was built in 1911, supposedly a copy of Viscount Powerscourt's favourite pepperpot from the dining room table! The tower comes completely surrounded by small cannons but I was unable to find out where they came from!
The Japanese Garden
This garden was just stunning. Many of the azaleas were still covered with flowers and the Japanese maples were superb. There were little waterfalls, a little bridge and also a grotto with little pathways leading off and stones covered in moss. It was my favourite garden in the whole estate.
The Pet Cemetery
This large cemetery is where all the family pets are buried. There is even a horse buried here. It was fascinating reading the tombstones with the pet's name, often date of birth as well as death and sometimes the cause of death!
The Rhododendron Walk and Walled Garden
We were a little late to see the rhododendrons at their best but followed the path to the 240 year old Bamberg gate which is the entrance to the walled garden. I always head to the rose garden first and there were some very pretty roses here. The walled garden also contains 'Julia's Memorial' which the 7th Viscount built in honour of his mother.
Powerscourt Gardens are number 3 in the World's Top Ten Gardens (National Geographic) according to the information guide and map we received with our tickets. They are certainly beautiful gardens in which to spend a few hours. Quite a few films have been set here. One that surprised me was 'Braveheart' which I though had been filmed in Scotland but certain parts have been filmed at Powerscourt. I now want to watch the film again and spot Powerscourt!
What about a gallery?
Coming soon!