As we all have been adapting to the new normal over the past two weeks, we have been busy exploring Ireland. Keeping it local is what the tourism board is saying. In August we are planning a week in Donegal and I am honestly really looking forward to it.
As for our weekly day trips since lockdown has been lifted, one of the trips made, was to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens. Last year we went to see Powerscourt Waterfall with the cousins which was amazing, too. It was such a lovely day for March that we actually had a picnic on the grounds as well. Powerscourt Estate & Gardens is roughly forty minutes drive from where we live. It’s not far at all. They opened their doors again the end of June. Since then it has been busy with people making it a day trip with the kids.
Google Maps wanted to play a trick on us when we made our way to the estate. I am not sure where it was trying to send us but we decided to follow the signs instead. As we arrived, there was plenty of parking. You drive past Powerscourt House and park across from the Garden Pavilion. Everyone was very good keeping their distance or trying to anyway as you enter some corridors where it was a bit difficult.
We decided to stop off for a little snack in the Avoca Cafe first. They put down extra signage to avoid people crossing paths so it’s all a one way system. Very well done. You pick your table and queue for the food. The kids had a scone and the parents a sandwich, tea and coffee. There are plenty of shops in the House as well but we didn’t bother with it.
Afterwards we headed straight for the Gardens. A family ticket, which consists of two adults and three children, is €26. (Children under five are free) A very reasonable price in my opinion. We spent a good while in the gardens exploring and the weather was holding up nicely as well. Apart from the one time at the end, when we grabbed an ice cream before heading home.
From Powerscourt House you can overlook the beautiful gardens and the pond with the fountain squirting out water. On that particular day, it was very windy. The kids loves standing at the end of it and get soaked.
The best enjoyment they definitely got out of the Japanese Gardens. What a cute little place. You walk around little bridges with the water flowing down the hill. It’s so peaceful and there is a little area you can sit down in and just enjoy the silence.
The place is huge so if you do have smaller kids, make sure you bring a stroller, or if they prefer a balance bike/bike, you could bring that too. I was very surprised how well Chloe did with the walking. She did get fed up with it in the end but we promised her an ice cream which made it okay.
Before heading to our next attraction, the kids climbed on a tree for a little while. It looked pretty cool because it had all these carvings from people over the years. It was the perfect picture opportunity really.
Next stop was the Pet Cemetry. I mean, it’s in the name, isn’t it?
We then passed some cool trees, as well as the Dolphin pond. If you want to take a break by the pond, you can do so on a bench. This led us to the walled garden with its beautiful flowers. It was our last stop before getting the well deserved ice cream in Powerscourt House.
Once you have the weather, this place is so lovely to be in. We haven’t even explored the whole grounds that time. We kind of did a loop around but we missed the Tower Valley which we will definitely explore next time.
Powerscourt Gardens is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm. every day. The cafe closes at 4pm. You can book your tickets on Powerscourt’s website in advanced, if you feel it is safer to do so. However you can purchase the tickets on site no problem at all with card payments accepted.
*gifted
