Powerscourt House & Gardens (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Powerscourt House & Gardens?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Quests, pet cemetery and open lawns engage under-12s, and toilets have high-chairs, yet no on-site playground in the main garden and unfenced ponds demand close supervision.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Wide gravel and paved routes around the Walled Garden suit buggies.
- Interactive Learning: Audio quests and tree markers keep children engaged outdoors.
Challenges:
- Unpredictable Weather: Frequent rain can interrupt outdoor activities; pack waterproofs.
- Gravel Surfaces: Some paths are loose gravel and may be slippery for small feet.
What is Powerscourt House & Gardens?
- A Palladian country house dating from the 18th century, located at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains just south of Dublin
- Formal gardens spanning over 47 acres, featuring Italian terraces, a walled garden and a Japanese-inspired landscape
- Landscaped grounds adorned with ornate fountains, classical sculptures and a dramatic woodland-framed waterfall
What is so special about Powerscourt House & Gardens for with kids?
- Free audio quest turns exploration into a game for kids aged 3–12
- Themed gardens like the Bee Sanctuary and Pets Cemetery spark curiosity
- Wide, level paths make it easy to push strollers between sights
- On-site cafés and ice cream stops provide family-friendly breaks
- Compact layout lets you see main highlights in under three hours
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore themed gardens, complete the family quest and grab a snack without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Powerscourt House & Gardens
Family Action Quest:
Audio trail with 8 stops where kids solve clues about plants and wildlife.
Tip: Pick up the free guide at reception before you start on the Tree Trail.
Bee Sanctuary:
Observe real hives and colourful pollinator beds in the Walled Garden.
Tip: Visit early in the afternoon when bees are most active.
Pets Cemetery:
Stone-marked graves of the estate’s former animal friends in a shady corner.
Tip: Turn it into a photo scavenger hunt by finding each pet’s name.
Tree Trail:
2 km route with red markers leading to 26 champion trees.
Tip: Let each child choose which tree to stand under at each stop.
Avoca Hatch Ice Cream:
Creative gelato flavours served in a bright café near the gardens.
Tip: Treat kids to a cone mid-walk to reward their exploring.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Powerscourt House & Gardens
- Buy Tickets Online: Book in advance on the Powerscourt website to skip the reception queue.
- Start with Family Quest: Begin in the Tree Trail area while kids are fresh and less distracted.
Reviews of Powerscourt House & Gardens
V Z
What a wonderful place to visit! So beautiful, loved the gardens, especially the Japanese and Rose. It was a very refreshing walk. Would recommend to everyone. Also liked talking to the staff that I encountered, a lovely woman caretaker who talked to us about the gardens and the swan. There were also many cute ducks. Thanks to the staff for taking great care of the place!
Anthony Gerrard
Just an hour, or even an hour and fifteen minutes, from Dublin, this visit is a must-see. What a delight for the senses! Your eyes are amazed, your nostrils enchanted... What a profusion of delicate scents, what a bucolic stroll in the heart of sublime nature. Vibrant flowerbeds, majestic trees, carefully composed landscapes: everything invites contemplation. Upon arrival, don't forget to pick up ...
Ivica Dujmusic
A wonderful place to visit if you are in Ireland. A place of serenity and a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and all that it offers. Easy to get to, big parking and if you are into golf, you will be pleased with the course. There is a restaurant on site and lots of shops to explore. Prices are reasonable and garden tickets definitely worth it. Make sure you visit the gardens on a nice da...
Sethuraman Mahadevan
Powerscourt is, without a doubt, home to the most beautiful gardens I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. From the moment you step out onto the terrace and see the sweeping view down to the lake with the Sugar Loaf mountain in the distance, you know you are somewhere truly special. The scale and design of the formal Italian Gardens are breathtaking, but the entire estate is a walker's paradise...
Warwick (The Saucy Mare)
A must see for the family vacation. The gardens are beautiful and very well maintained. You can spend the day walking and just thinking in them. There are various aspects to them, from tall trees to arrangements of flowers. This garden has them all. The actual house is what you walk through, if your in the shops, your in the house. Unfortunately there isn’t more due to the fire 😢
When is the best time to visit Powerscourt House & Gardens (Dublin, Ireland)?
Spring brings blooming wisteria in the Italian Garden. Summer offers longer daylight for quests. Autumn foliage adds colour but bring a raincoat in wetter months.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden admission (2 adults + 2 children) | EUR 42 |
| Lunch at Avoca Terrace Café | EUR 40 |
| Ice cream at Avoca Hatch | EUR 6 |
| On-site parking fee | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 93 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Powerscourt House & Gardens
Address: Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
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About Powerscourt House & Gardens
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 1 204 6000Explore Popular Things to Do
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