Powerscourt Estate located near Enniskerry, County Wicklow, is a large country estate which is noted for its house and landscaped gardens, occupying 19 hectares in a stunning setting.
The house, originally a 13th century castle, was extensively altered during the 18th century by German architect Richard Cassels, starting in 1731 and finishing in 1741.
A fire in 1974 left the house lying as a shell until it was renovated in 1996.
The estate is today owned and run by the Slazenger family.
It is a popular tourist attraction, and includes two golf courses, an Avoca Weavers shop and restaurant and a fantastic 5-star Ritz-Carlton hotel and spa.
Powerscourt Waterfall, in the grounds of the estate, has been a major tourist attraction since the 1760's.
It is 5 kilometres from the formal Gardens and House and is Irelands largest waterfall tumbling 398 feet into the Dargle Valley.
It falls into a hollow cut out by ice over 10,000 years ago.
The Waterfall is fed by waters from blanket bog on top of the mountains above the valley.
