Powerscourt

"What makes the gardens at Powerscourt so remarkable is their grandeur of scale combined, as so rarely happens, with great delicacy and refinement of detail.  Their setting is superb, but their design and execution are worthy of it.  Meticulously kept, every part of the gardens rewards the closest study.  Powerscourt is a magnificent example of an aristocratic garden laid out with taste, knowledge and imagination."  

Peter Coats ( "Great Gardens of the Western World")

A five minute walk from our hotel lead us to the Powerscourt house and garden.     

Originally built in 1300  the castle was remodeled in the 18th century by a well-known German architect Richard Castle, under the commission of Richard Wingfield.   The mansion was designed around the footprint of the original small castle.  The gardens, in the beginning, were laid out as parklands and terraces.  It was during the next century the gardens and landscape became the public gardens I had the opportunity to tour.

Here are a few things that caught my eye and imagination.

The Pepper Pot tower was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales.

The view atop the tower was breathtaking.

The Viscount's private walk from the tower through the American garden of unique cypress trees led us into

the Japanese garden where we found

so many hidden spots to

 

to stop and meditate.

I loved this grouping of trees.  

I thought it looked quite mystical.  

I almost expected a fairy to flit about at any moment.

Just past the trees we happened upon a cemetery.  There were no graves of Viscounts or other royals.

This was the resting place for all the beloved pets, including a favorite cow who had cared for the family by giving them numerous gallons of milk.

Passing through the gate into the walled garden we found

the herbaceous border

and further in, the cutting gardens.

I loved looking up at all the chimneys as I exited back onto the terraces.

One of the many urns lining the Italian garden

In 1974 while refurbishing the house a fire broke out in the early morning hours.  Little could be saved other than the outer shell.  The roof and most of the rooms were destroyed.

The Powerscourt house is now the home of the Avoca cafe', bakery

I resisted but I don't know how

and shops specializing in unique Irish foods and designs.

I wanted to take this home.

What began as a short morning outing ended up being a day long excursion walking down paths and walkways created so long ago I truly cannot wrap my brain around it.  

These are the thoughts which stop me in my tracks and send me to the history books.

An Introduction

It is hard to believe that this time two weeks ago I was flying across the North Atlantic to begin my Ireland adventure.

The first three days of our trip were spent on the beautiful Powerscourt estate in the mountains of Wicklow.   As we entered the gate and began our drive into the property our driver gave us a brief history lesson of the area.  

Powerscourt was first established in the 12th century as an "important strategic site" by anglo-normans.  Named after the family, le Poer (Power) who held possession of the property and built the initial castle in 1300, the estate has passed through the hands of powerful families (O'Tooles and  FitzGeralds,  Earls of Kildare).   In 1603 the properties were given to Sir Richard Wingfield and remained with his descendants for over 350 years.  

 As our escort drove he spoke of Viscounts, castles, waterfalls, gardens and fires.  All of which I wanted to research further.

   Castles?  Gardens?  

My travel weary brain began stirring; I couldn't wait to exit the car to begin my adventure. 

 A late evening tour around the hotel gave me only a sample of what lie ahead. 

Lush gardens

I felt a little bit like "Alice in Wonderland"

An outdoor game of chess just waiting to be played...

if one could actually move the life size pieces.

A meditative walk around the labyrinth or 

maybe a just quiet stroll along a country road. 

How many pictures can you take of one view?  A lot!

No matter the time of day or the direction the feet carried me there were amazing views

to leave me speechless.

Sunset from my balcony.

I couldn't wait to go to bed just so I could wake up and begin exploring...

castles and gardens and a walk into the village.

Would there be time to see it all?

(all photographs  were taken by me)

Come Walk With Me

through the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.

I could tell you the garden consist of 55 acres of landscaped and natural gardens.

Or that it holds over 8000 species of plants from all over the world, many of which are extinct in their natural habitat.

But, I would rather we walk quietly down the garden path and lose ourselves in it's beauty.
Enjoy!

sh-h-h do you see the eagle? 

Thank you!

Have an amazing weekend!

all photos were taken by me.