Powerscourt Estate and DublinThis Dublin shore excursion visits Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, 15 miles (24km) south of Dublin in County Wicklow, then returns for an afternoon city tour and free time in Dublin. It's a good option for repeat visitors to Dublin. After meeting your guide you drive to County Wicklow and Powerscourt Estate, set against the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain. Powerscourt has been owned by the Slazenger family and welcoming visitors for decades. The gardens are a striking example of an aristocratic garden laid out with a backdrop of Richard Castle's Palladian mansion. The gardens were laid out by Daniel Robertson, inspired by the Villa Butera in Sicily. Highlights include the circular pond and fountain flanked by winged Pegasi, elaborate ironwork, Italian statuary, and the double staircase with the Aeolus fountain and Italianate patterned ramps. The main house was destroyed by fire in 1974; you can visit an exhibition tracing its history and ongoing restoration. After visiting the house and gardens, you have a short visit to the craft and gift shop. In the afternoon you return to Dublin for a city tour, seeing top sites including the Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Custom House, O'Connell Street, the GPO (General Post Office), the Four Courts, and Georgian Dublin, including Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square, St. Stephen's Green, and Leinster House (National Parliament Building). You also have a couple hours of free time for lunch (meal not included), shopping, or exploring on your own. Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK (advance notice required). What's IncludedIncluded- Pick up from Port or Hotel in Dublin
- Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
- Private Vehicle with Driver-Guide for 2-6 people
- Private Vehicle w/ Driver & a Licensed English Speaking Guide for 7 or more people
- Included Interior Visits- Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
Not Included- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
- Personal shopping
Tour TimingAll times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests. 1 1 Hour Drive to Powerscourt Estate 2 2 Hours Visit Powerscourt Estate 3 4 2.5 Hours Dublin Free Time 5 6
ResourcesDublin Port. Official port site with terminal locations and cruise berth information. Official Website Visit Dublin. Official Dublin tourism site for general trip planning. Official Website Frequently Asked QuestionsHow far is Powerscourt from Dublin?
Powerscourt Estate is about 15 miles (24km) south of Dublin in County Wicklow, roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car.
What happened to Powerscourt House?
The main house was destroyed by fire in 1974. Visitors can see an exhibition on its history and the ongoing restoration.
Who designed the Powerscourt Gardens?
Daniel Robertson laid out the gardens, drawing inspiration from the Villa Butera in Sicily.
Is there free time in Dublin on this tour?
Yes, a couple of hours in the afternoon for lunch and shopping after the Powerscourt visit and city tour. Also Available: ›Highlights of Dublin - Guests also book — Dublin shore excursion from Dublin cruise port - private guided visit to the famous Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Customs House, O'Connell Street, the GPO (General Post office), the Four Courts with a licensed English-speaking guide. ›Best of Dublin - Guests also book — Dublin shore excursion from Dublin cruise port - private guided visit to the famous Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Customs House, O'Connell with a licensed English-speaking guide. ›Best of Cork and Blarney - Cork, Ireland shore excursion from Cork cruise port - private guided visit to visits to the famous Cork City Jail and the English Market with a licensed English-speaking guide. Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›
Travel Tips for our Clients
Green hills and shamrocks, good luck or leprechauns, what comes to your mind when you picture the Emerald Isle? The River Liffey runs through Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The weather can be sunny, rainy, breezy or all of the above, maybe even simultaneously The beauty of the land and the history of the buildings are still eclipsed by the friendly nature of the Irish people.
Top Sights in Dublin
Dublin Castle- The Vikings had selected the original site for this structure while “visiting” in the 13th Century. Throughout the years it has functioned in roles as varied as a military fortress and a court of law, a prison and a treasury. Currently, its capacity has been for state receptions and Presidential inaugurations.
The City Gaol- Guided tours are given through this large unoccupied jail. Its long history (1795 –1924) has seen the leaders of several of Ireland’s rebellions imprisoned here. Fourteen members of the Easter Rising of 1916 were executed here. A detailed audio-visual presentation provides insight into one of the darker facets of Irish history.
National Museum at Kildare Street- Originally opened in 1890, the collections contained within these walls include examples of Celtic and Medieval artifacts such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Other displays showcase prehistoric Ireland, the Invasions of the Vikings, and the Road to Independence, among others.
Guinness Storehouse- In 1759 Arthur Guinness opened a brewery on a street known as St. James’ Gate, just a few minutes from Dublin’s City Center. Today, the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland encourages visitors to explore a process of brewing and marketing one of the most recognizable symbols and exports of the Emerald Isle. Small bubbles slowly sinking into a pint of black stout is the reward that awaits all those who choose to partake at the end of the tour.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral- A wooden church was first built on this site in the fifth century. The cathedral was built in 1213 and is named after the patron saint of Ireland. A well on the grounds is reported to be where he baptized his first converts to Christianity. The Choir School was founded in 1432 and students sing accompaniment for most daily services. Of a curious note, a door is displayed with a large, jagged hole hacked into it. It was through this hole that two Norman Earls shook hands to settle a quarrel, thus inspiring the saying, “…to chance your arm…”
Christchurch Cathedral- The principal cathedral for the Protestant faith in Ireland is located just a few hundred yards from St. Patrick’s. Founded in 1038, and renovated several times since, some of the walls date back to the 12th Century. Just beside the Cathedral is the multimedia presentation celebrating Dublin’s medieval heritage: Dublinia. Complete with a reconstructed archaeological dig and interactive displays, this provides visitors with some of the challenges facing the inhabitants of Dublin from that era.
Trinity College- The oldest university in Ireland, has been educating students and enthralling visitors since 1592. One of the biggest draws, for the tourists, is the Book of Kells. This manuscript contains a Latin text of the four gospels and was beautifully decorated by Irish monks in the year 800 A.D.
General Post Office- Built in 1815 this stalwart building was the site of much bloodshed in the 1916 Easter Rising. Bullet marks can still be seen in the front pillars. Several of the leaders of that revolt were executed in Kilmainham Gaol. Reopened in 1929, the General Post Office once again offers a wide range of services, bullets not typically among them.
O’Connell Street / Phoenix Park- These pedestrian-friendly expanses, allow for numerous opportunities to observe the wildlife. As the widest street on the island, pedestrians and shoppers alike will wander the center median of O’Connell Street. The 17th Century Ashton Castle is the visitor center for Phoenix Park. This three-mile length of forested hills and outdoor space has been the location of the Dublin Zoo since 1830. With numerous monuments and memorials, bikers and picnickers might also spot one of the members of the herd of deer, which also inhabit this park.
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Review Location- Dublin 
