A Guide To Powerscourt Waterfall In Wicklow

The mighty Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ireland and it’s one of the most popular attractions in Wicklow.

At 121m high, it’s an incredible sight and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. 

Offering the perfect backdrop for a gentle stroll, Powerscourt Waterfall makes a great destination for a day out (just get there early when visiting at the weekend!).

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow

Although a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The incredible Powerscourt Waterfall is located inside the Powerscourt Estate at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. It’s a 10-minute drive from Enniskerry and a 20-minute drive from both Roundwood and Greystones.

2. Opening hours

The Powerscourt Waterfall opening hours change throughout the year. Here are the latest times (note: these may change):

• Jan and Feb: 10:30 – 16:00
• Mar and Apr: 10:30 – 17:30
• May to Aug: 09:30 – 19:00
• Sept and Oct: 10:30 – 17:30
• Nov and Dec: 10:30 – 16:00

3. Powerscourt Waterfall tickets

Powerscourt Waterfall tickets can be bought upon arrival, just inside the gate (keep in mind that Powerscourt House is an additional charge). Tickets cost:

• Adult: €7.50
• Family: €19
• Child (U2): Free
• Child: €3.50
• Senior: €6.00

4. Parking

Powerscourt Waterfall parking can be a bit mental when the busy summer months arrive or at bank holidays. There is a large parking area near the waterfall, with toilet facilities and refreshments available there too.

5. Midges

Yes, midges! If you visit Powerscourt Waterfall during the warmer months of the year, expect midges… lots and lots of midges. They can, at times, ruin a trip, so make sure to bring midget repellant and be prepared to eat in the car.

About Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall is inside a beautiful estate of Beech, Oak, Larch and Pine trees, some of which are over 200 years old.

You can enjoy these incredible trees on the drive towards the waterfall, which flows into the Dargle River at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.

Fauna

The estate is also a haven for a range of birds, including the Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and the Willow Warbler.

You can also spot Sika Deer, where were introduced to Ireland in 1858 by the 7th Viscount Powerscourt, as well as the native Irish red squirrel. 

Picnics

The waterfall is the perfect place for a summer picnic, with barbecues available for use at the picnic areas. There’s also a playground for the kids to play on while you prepare the food.

If you prefer to purchase some refreshments, there’s a kiosk that serves coffee, tea, hot dogs and ice cream during the warmer months from June until August near the car park.

Things to do at Powerscourt Waterfall

There’s plenty of things to here, from the Powerscourt Waterfall walk to the nearby gardens and the house tour.

Later in the guide, you’ll find places to visit a stone’s throw from Powerscourt, for those of you that fancy seeing what else Wicklow has to offer.

1. Get an eyeful of the waterfall

Likely the reason you came in the first place, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the sight of the waterfall itself from the moment you leave the car park.

You’ll hear it before you see it, thanks to the thunder of the water as it falls and crashes from its 121m height.

2. The Powerscourt Waterfall walk

The Powerscourt Waterfall walk is one of the better short walks in Wicklow (it takes about 30 minutes across the river and back).

Along the way you can enjoy different views of the waterfall from various vantage points and is worth the extra effort.

Don’t forget good walking shoes for this one though, as the walk involves some inclines. Dogs are also welcome to join your walk, as long as you keep them on a leash. 

3. Visit Powerscourt House and Gardens

Now, some people get confused and thing that the Powerscourt Waterfall walk takes you into the gardens where Powerscourt House is, but it doesn’t.

The famous house and gardens are a 10-minute drive away, and you’ll have to pay into them (not ideal, I know!).

The gardens of the Powerscourt Estate are one of the most beautiful in Ireland and cover an incredible 47 acres of land. 

You can wander through the formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and secret hollows. The gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with various sections worth exploring.

4. The Powerscourt Waterfall hike

We’ve had several emails in recent weeks asking about the Powerscourt Waterfall hike, with people seeming to think you can climb up it.

This isn’t the case and, sadly, there have been tragedies here in the past where people have fallen.

If you want to do a hike while also getting a view of Powerscourt Waterfall, try the Crone Woods walk – you’ll get a view of the falls 1/2 way through.

Things to do near Powerscourt Waterfall

One of the beauties of Powerscourt Waterfall is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Wicklow.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Powerscourt (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains National Park cover an expansive area of almost 20,000 hectares and its home to walks, cycle routes and plenty of attractions.

2. Walks and hikes galore

Whether you just want to stretch your legs or you’re an avid hiker, Wicklow is an outdoor playground with trails galore. From long walks and challenging trails to gentle rambles, here are some hike guides to dip into:

• Wicklow walks
• Glendalough walks
• Lough Ouler
• Djouce Woods
• Devil’s Glen
• Djouce Mountain
• The Spinc
• Sugarloaf Mountain

3. Bray

Just 9km from Powerscourt Waterfall is the coastal town of Bray. There are plenty of things to do in this vibrant town, from having a pint at the iconic Harbour Bar to more active things like the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and climbing up to Bray Head. 

4. Loads more attractions 

If you’re looking for more, then you might want to head to Lough Tay or Glenmacnass Waterfall, both of which you can see on the Sally Gap Drive.