After a whirlwind 9 days in Ireland, our final stop was the Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa in Wicklow, just 40 minutes from the Dublin International Airport. We’d already been wowed by Ireland, and on our last night, this luxury 5-star hotel continued to impress.
On our final stay in Ireland, we returned to the outskirts of Dublin, but this time opted to stay in the countryside at the Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa. Located a short 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, this luxury resort wowed me from the moment I entered its gates.
As our CIE chauffeur Liam drove us up the hills of Enniskerry toward Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa, our hurried pace immediately slowed down. We tried to catch a glimpse of the amazing views through the treetops. Surrounded by tall elegant trees and landscaped grounds, we finally entered the wrought iron gates. Tantalizing views of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain greeted us as we took the sloping avenue toward the entrance of the Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection.
Arrival at Powerscourt Hotel
Located on the famous Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow and just as sprawling as the 1,000-acre estate, the building stretches across the property with (what the resort calls) “crescent-shaped Palladian elegance.” The drive-in entrance is a modern-day porte-cochère and a bit underwhelming except for the attention to landscaping framing the building.
Once you step inside the lobby — you’ll get your first glimpse at how truly amazing your stay will be at this Ireland hotel.
The entrance opens into a sprawling lobby – warm colors, wooden textures, throw rugs, and homey leather seating. The tall windows at the end of the library look out across the library onto the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain and a better peek at the expansive grounds.
The reception desk was to the right and partially hidden behind a pillar. Check-in was smooth, and the bell staff escorted both of us couples to our rooms at the same time.
Accommodations at Powerscourt
Our room was the first stop, down a long hallway near the Sika Restaurant and the pub. Their 194 rooms and suites average 700 square feet, with marble bathrooms, rainforest showers (my favorite!), and recessed bathroom TVs (my hubby’s fav!). The vibe in the room is that of comfort and luxury.
And FREE Wi-Fi — with a strong signal.
The best part of the rooms at this Irish hotel is that due to the design of the 7-story hotel many of the rooms actually have a view of the mountain.
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Dining Options at Powerscourt
You really don’t have to leave the estate to enjoy a fantastic dining experience. After unloading our bags in the room, we opted for a light snack in the on-site Irish pub, McGills.
The Sugar Loaf Lounge is located in the lobby at the end near the tall windows. Here you can enjoy Afternoon tea, as well as light meals and cocktails.
I really enjoyed the pub atmosphere and the fun “antique” decor, which resembled a historic bar, with its old bottles and wood stools. Traditional Irish fare is served here.
Breakfast (included with our room) is served at the Sika Restaurant, and seriously don’t resist stepping out onto the outdoor terrace.
In the evening, Sika Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant. Sika is named after the Japenese deer introduced to the estate in 1860 by Lord Powerscourt. We dined here that first evening, and the Hereford prime beef was exceptional.
Other Amenities at Powerscourt
Although we lacked the time to explore more, other amenities onsite a spa with indoor pool, saunas and steam room, as well as a gym.
Outdoor activities literally surround this hotel. From fishing to horseback riding to jogging and walking, simply step out on the grounds, and you’ll discover something to do.
Nearby is also the Powerscourt Golf Club, which we walked past on our way to the Powerscourt House.
Powerscourt Estate
We did take a couple of hours to tour the 47 acres of Powerscourt House and its Gardens. This is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and totally worth the time if only for its fantastic views of the countryside. Discover a maze of walkways, terraces and walled gardens (designed in 1840s), Greek statues, ponds, water features, hidden grottos, Ireland’s oldest pet cemetery, Ireland’s tallest waterfall, and a tower.
Explore Enniskerry
Down the “hill” discover Enniskerry, the former estate village, retaining its old world charm. We drove through this small village with its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique vendors, and boutiques. And oh I really wished I would’ve had more time for a walkabout here especially after our chauffeur mentioned that it had a couple old pubs.
Room rates start at $170: Make your reservation online directly with the hotel or you can compare rates and make your booking through Booking.com or Expedia.
Photo credits Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa and Diana Rowe.
