Just south of Dublin, you’ll find the county of Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains. Tucked elegantly within the rolling hills sits one of Ireland’s most celebrated gardens – the Powerscourt Estate.
This was our first stop after arriving in Ireland. After picking up our rental car, we had a nerve-racking 90-minute drive directly from Dublin airport. This was our first experience driving on the wrong side of the road. The roads were also much narrower than I was accustomed to in the States – and they seemed to get narrower as we put Dublin’s bustle further behind us. As we approached our destination, an avenue of giant redwoods announced that I had arrived somewhere special.
The Hotel
We briefly caught a glimpse of the Powerscourt estate as we passed on our way to our initial stop – the Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. We were immediately struck by the hotel’s beauty and grandeur. As dusk was approaching, we decided to explore the hotel grounds and settle in for a relaxing evening after our long journey.
Later that evening, we dined at Sika Restaurant – the hotel’s signature restaurant named after the Japanese deer that roam the estate. I had the scallops, and my husband had the Wicklow lamb. The scallops were seared to perfection – delicate, fragrant, and full of flavor. The lamb was cooked pink and served with wild garlic purée. I’m not a big fan of lamb, but it was to die for – tender, succulent, and savory. The meal was a home run and the perfect cap to our first day in Ireland.
At the risk of sounding overly excited, this hotel was exquisite and exceeded all expectations. The hotel’s grounds were only rivaled by those of the estate. The accommodations were fit for royalty, and the fare was as good as it gets. The hotel manages to be both grand and intimate – old, yet impeccably modern.
The Gardens of Powerscourt
The next morning, we were raring to go explore the Gardens of Powerscourt. The hotel staff cheerfully shuttled us to the gardens just a short ride away. The gardens are arranged over 47 meticulously manicured acres. The gardens are themed and exiting one, leads to another more magical than the last. The estate’s gardens, designed in the 19th century, are truly a work of art in landscaping.
After you step through the main building, which houses the ticketing and shops, you step out onto the Triton Lake Terrace, where the vista is fit for a duke. A limestone grand staircase sweeps downward, framed by winged Pegasus statues, towards the pond. Beyond the pond, in the distance, is the Great Sugar Loaf mountain.
Wandering deeper, the garden reveals its different moods. The Italian Garden is all symmetry and stone. The Japanese Garden calls for a visit across its miniature stone bridge. Circling clockwise, you’ll encounter the pet cemetery where generations of Powerscourt canines lie beneath small personalized headstones. I could be overly enamored, but it seems touchingly Irish that commemorating your beloved pets is done in such a lasting, solemn manner.
On the opposite side of the gardens, you will find the Pepperpot Tower. A stone tower reminiscent of the castles dotted throughout this land. You can climb the tower for a panoramic view back over the gardens and the mountains.
Echoes
The Powerscourt Gardens and hotel manage that rare trick of feeling both timeless and perfectly nouveau. The gardens showcase the timeless beauty of nature as interpreted by man. In perfect harmony, the hotel lavishes you with impeccable accommodations and exquisite yet approachable and deeply satisfying cuisine. Together, they provided a near-perfect start to our Irish adventure.