Excursion Powerscourt estate and distillery tour at Dublin

Discover the spectacular natural beauty, gardens and whiskey-making traditions of the Powerscourt Estate during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive south through Dublin’s suburbs en route to the ‘Garden of Ireland’, as the neighbouring county of Wicklow is known. Wicklow is a natural scenic wonderland with domed, granite mountains, purple glens, soft, rolling hills, and silvery streams rushing cool-and-clear from mountain and bog-land into the rivers of the countryside. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the approximately 14,000-acre (about 5,665-hectare) Powerscourt Estate, nestled in the Wicklow Hills on the Dargle River. Open to the public for over 50 years, the estate is a wonderful blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens, and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs.

During a major refurbishment in 1974, a fire broke out and left only the roofless shell of the main house. The walls of the main house, which date from the 16th century, stood as a stark reminder of the fire until 1996, when the rebuilding process began. Today, this fine house now stands proudly against the backdrop of its exquisite gardens. Some free time is provided to explore one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland, recently voted #3 in the ‘World’s Top Ten Gardens’ by National Geographic magazine. Next, a short stroll brings you to the newly-opened Powerscourt Distillery. Surrounded by the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, guarded by the mighty Sugarloaf, enjoying a temperate coastline climate and bathed by pure spring waters, Powerscourt provides the perfect setting for distilling Irish whiskey.

Formerly the hub of all farming activity on the estate, the Old Mill House has been faithfully restored, and extended, to help accommodate the distillery’s development. Steeped in history and built using local Wicklow granite, the bell that adorns the northern west wall was originally used to herald the daily lunch break to workers in distant fields. As one of the older buildings on the estate, it also boasts an ancient water mill deep in its foundations. During a guided tour of the distillery, view an introductory film and observe the distillation process, then proceed for a tasting of three Fercullen Irish whiskey, with a non-alcoholic beverage for guests under the age of 18. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Dublin, Suburbs, Wicklow County and Hills, Dargle River, Powerscourt Estate, Gardens and Distillery, Guided Distillery Tour, Fercullen Irish Whiskey Tasting

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.84 miles (about 1.35 kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 15-20 steps at the distillery and 30-50 steps at the gardens. Walking at the Powerscourt Estate & Distillery is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket or coat, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least ten years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.