Powerscourt House & Gardens (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Powerscourt House & Gardens?
Children up to 12 can follow the Action Quest hunt, Tree Trail and pet cemetery, but no playground sits in the gardens and unfenced ponds mean parents must supervise constantly.
Positives:
- Accessible Paths: Wide, level paths in the Walled Garden suit strollers and scooters.
- Family Facilities: On-site café offers high chairs, baby changing and benches for breaks.
Challenges:
- Steep Terrace Steps: The Italian Garden terraces have steep steps without railings; supervise children.
- Uneven Surfaces: Gravel and grass paths can be slippery when wet; sturdy shoes help.
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?
- Engaging family audio quests keep children curious.
- Safe, stroller-friendly paths through diverse themed gardens.
- Interactive spots like the Pet Cemetery and Bee Sanctuary.
- On-site café with kid-friendly menus and high chairs.
- Short drive to waterfall playground for extra outdoor fun.
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives time to explore the themed gardens at a relaxed pace, complete the family audio quest and enjoy snack breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Powerscourt House & Gardens
Family Action Quest Audio Guide:
Pick up the free eight-stop audio guide at the visitor centre. Kids hunt for clues and answer quizzes.
Tip: Bring headphones or a small speaker so kids can hear the guide clearly.
Explore the Bee Sanctuary:
Walk through the Walled Garden to see active beehives and colourful pollinator plants.
Tip: Stay on the path and remind children not to disturb the bees.
Visit the Pet Cemetery:
Discover the mini headstones of the estate’s former pets along a shaded path.
Tip: Encourage kids to count the animal gravestones and imagine their stories.
Follow the Tree Trail:
Use the 2 km red-marked route to find 26 champion trees around the estate.
Tip: Print a map or use the app so kids can tick off each tree they spot.
Treat at Avoca Hatch:
Stop at the kiosk for seasonal ice creams and sorbets after exploring.
Tip: Let kids pick their flavour as a reward for completing the quest.
When is the best time to visit Powerscourt House & Gardens (Dublin, Ireland)?
Spring brings magnolia and tulip blooms in the Walled Garden. Summer offers long daylight perfect for audio quests. Autumn turns maple leaves gold along the Tree Trail. Winter paths are quieter but can be muddy — wear boots.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Powerscourt House & Gardens (Dublin)
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 😢
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden & Waterfall Entry (adult) | EUR 21.5 |
| Garden & Waterfall Entry (child) | EUR 7.5 |
| Lunch at Avoca Terrace Café | EUR 40 |
| Ice Cream at Avoca Hatch | EUR 12 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 110 |
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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How to Maximize Your Visit to Powerscourt House & Gardens
- Arrive at opening: Get to the Gardens right at opening to avoid crowding and find parking easily.
- Use midweek visits: Weekdays are quieter, giving kids more space to run safely.
- Pack snacks: Bring water and light snacks to pace energy between café stops.
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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