Powerscourt House and Garden.

Powerscourt derives its name from the Anglo-Norman le Poer family who arrived in Ireland in the 12th century, the le Poer's built a castle which at various times in succeeding centuries was held by the Fitzgerald's, Earls of Kildare and the O'Tooles

After 1603 the powerscourt estate was granted to an English soldier Sir Richard Wingfield, knighted in 1600 for his successful military campaigns in Ireland, Flanders, France and Portugal. The Wingfield family were to remain in control of Powerscourt for around 350 years

Powerscourt Gardens and house are situated 19 Km (12 MI) south of Dublin in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The house and gardens were remodeled by Richard Wingfield (1697-1751) in the 1740's the German architect born architect, Richard Castle.

The Palladian mansion was built around the existing castle, the central courtyard was converted into an entrance hall, with a grand ballroom above. This building was only two storey's a third storey was added in 1787, with further alterations carried out in the 19th century. The interior of Powerscourt is arguably one of the finest in Ireland

Extending to over 45 acres they are a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with rambling walks, walled gardens the garden is said to have over over 200 species of trees and shrubs. About 5 km from the formal Gardens is Ireland's Highest Waterfall 135 meters (443 Ft) into the Dargle Valley.

In the Waterfall area many species of birds are to be seen and heard such as the Chifchaff, Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and Willow Warbler. In the valley is the remnants of an ancient forest with Oaks, Beech, Birch and Rowan.

George IV visited Powerscourt in 1821, as part of the planned entertainment the waterfall was dammed, the intention being to released it in a mighty torrent. The king spent longer over dinner than planned and didn't get to see the spectacle. Which was fortuitous for him, because when the water was released a bridge which had been specially constructed as a viewing point was swept away by the raging water.

The house was partially destroyed by fire in 1974 losing its roof and much of the top floor, it lay until 1996 when a massive restoration project began to restore the house to its former glory.