Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ireland — a spectacular 121-metre cascade tumbling down the rocky slopes of the Wicklow Mountains within the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, just south of Dublin. Set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful designed landscapes, the waterfall plunges through a lush wooded valley at the foot of the Great Sugar Loaf mountain, surrounded by ancient oak woodland and the manicured grandeur of one of Europe’s finest country estates.
Quick Facts: Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland
- Best time to visit: Spring and after rain for the most powerful flow; summer for picnics and family days out in the surrounding parkland; autumn for spectacular woodland colours
- Height: 121 metres (397 feet) — the highest waterfall in Ireland
- How to get there: ~45 minutes from Dublin by car (M50/N11 to Enniskerry); well-signposted from Enniskerry village
- Entry fee: ~€7 (adult); ~€4 (child); included in the Powerscourt Estate ticket
- Combine with: Powerscourt House and Gardens — one of Ireland’s most beautiful Palladian mansions with 47 acres of formal gardens, ranked among the top 3 gardens in the world by National Geographic
The Powerscourt Estate
The estate — historically one of the great houses of Ireland — was originally a 13th-century castle. The current Palladian mansion was built between 1731 and 1741. The waterfall was the focal point of an 18th-century deer park and has been a popular visitor attraction since the Victorian era, when the 7th Viscount Powerscourt developed the estate’s famous gardens, which include Italianate terraces, a Japanese garden, a walled garden, and a pet cemetery.
Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Ireland, located in County Wicklow, near the village of Enniskerry, at the Great Sugar Loaf mountain, a few miles from the Powerscourt area.
Powerscourt Waterfall is situated on the River Dargle and is 121 m high. Near the waterfall, there is a learning trail, which guides you through the park with mature redwoods, oaks and beeches. In the trees you can see for example, cuckoos and finches. The area around the waterfall is also a popular place for family picnics. There are even a playgrounds.
You can visit Powerscourt Waterfall in January, February, November and December every day from 10:30 to 16:00. In March, April, September and October, it is open daily from 10:30 to 17:30. In May, June, July and August is open daily from 09:30 to 19:00. Tickets cost €5 for adults and €3.50 for children (under 16). Children under 2 years are admitted free. Students pay €4.50.
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Have you visited Powerscourt Waterfall or explored Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains? Share your favourite Irish nature spots in the comments! 🍀
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