Powerscourt Waterfall — Attraction in The Municipal District of Bray

Powerscourt Waterfall Wicklow

County Wicklow, Ireland

Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ireland at 121 meters (397 feet), is a breathtaking natural attraction located within the scenic Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. Surrounded by the lush and expansive woodlands of the Wicklow Mountains, this waterfall is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking to experience the natural beauty of Ireland.

Scenic Views: The waterfall itself is a spectacular sight, with water cascading down from the rocky cliffs into a tranquil pool below. The surrounding area is characterized by rich greenery, with ancient oak, beech, and pine trees adding to the serene atmosphere. The setting is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer when the trees are in full leaf, but autumn also offers a stunning display of colors.

Activities: Powerscourt Waterfall is not just a place to admire from a distance; it's a great spot for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors. There are picnic areas with tables and benches set up near the waterfall, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. Visitors can also explore several short walking trails in the area, which offer different perspectives of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

For families, there is a playground near the waterfall, making it a child-friendly destination. The open spaces are ideal for kids to run around, and you might even spot some native wildlife like deer and red squirrels during your visit.

Facilities: The site is well-equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable visit. There are restrooms, a small café that operates seasonally, and ample parking. Powerscourt Waterfall is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure.

Access and Fees: The waterfall is accessible by car, with a well-maintained road leading directly to the site from the main Powerscourt Estate entrance. There is an entrance fee, which is reasonable considering the beauty and upkeep of the area. The road leading to the waterfall offers beautiful views, adding to the overall experience.

Best Time to Visit: The waterfall is open year-round, but it is especially beautiful after a period of rain, when the water flow is strongest. Summer and spring are the most popular times to visit, as the weather is usually pleasant, and the greenery is at its peak. However, visiting in autumn or winter offers a quieter experience with the added bonus of fewer crowds.

Overall Experience: Powerscourt Waterfall is a must-visit for anyone exploring County Wicklow or the surrounding areas. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and family-friendly amenities. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic, take in the sights of the Wicklow Mountains, or simply marvel at the sheer height of Ireland's tallest waterfall, Powerscourt delivers an experience that is both memorable and...

There were a lot of people on the weekend. This place is not suitable for a quiet and secluded holiday in nature, it disappointed me. I prefer a place like Glendalough, quiet and calm.

Powerscourt Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Ireland, with a number of notable features:

The tallest waterfall in Ireland At 121 metres high, it is the highest waterfall in the country. For comparison, it is more than twice as tall as Niagara Falls, although it is less powerful.

Part of a historic estate The waterfall is located on the grounds of the Powerscourt Estate, which was founded in the 18th century and belonged to the aristocratic Leslie family. The main mansion of the estate was destroyed by fire in 1974, but the gardens and waterfall survived.

The historical name "Salmon Leap" Locals traditionally called this place "Salmon Leap" due to the salmon's attempts to overcome the waterfall during spawning.

Cinematic Fame The falls have appeared in a number of famous films and TV series, including Braveheart (1995) and Vikings.

Unique Natural Environment The area around the falls is covered in relict forests with 400-year-old oak and beech trees. In spring, the slopes are abundantly covered with flowering rhododendrons.

Local Legends According to Irish folklore, the foot of the falls is home to the mythical creatures sidhe. There is a tradition of leaving coins at the falls to make wishes come true.

Historical Visits In 1861, Queen Victoria visited the falls and noted its majestic appearance.

The best time to visit is after heavy rains, when the falls reach their maximum power, or in the autumn months, when the surrounding forest turns a picturesque golden color. This natural site remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in the...

Highly NOT recommend it! Used to be lovely spot to zone out from society and city, get bit of fresh air, have a picnic, have a long walk on trail, around being surrounded by nature and see waterfall. Not anymore, now it's a typical tourist rip off spot. Pay at the entrance is 7.50€ per person (19€ per family), which is shocking considering that few years ago I was paying 4/5€ per CAR (doesn't matter how many people were in it), or it was included for free if you visit to Powerstourt Gardens and got ticket there. Now it is big car park that took lot of space, shop/bistro that is like typical convenience shop, massive kids play ground in front, only good thing about it is now place have bathrooms. They added multiple little BBQ grills around, which might be great idea on plan, in real life it's not. Lot of smoke, lot of weird flies/insect that are going everywhere with the smoke of food and biting hell out of you. Very poorly described the safety measurements how to deal with the grills like that, so much nature around that one spark in incompetent hands, and everything will burn.

Waterfall itself is still lovely. Shame that people who are coming to visit as not anymore. I remember coming up as a teen, everyone was standing in the queue/aside, waiting polietly to take few photos with the waterfall, or standing aside to take photos by themselves. Now? People walking as they please, climbing (when signs said do not do it), kids running wild. I liked how for some mothers think that best way to get their kid out of background of your picture, is just to scream at them from the distance 🥲

Place that I glady visited since many years, not doesn't resemble itself, it's not the same. Such a shame... I think that's the last time I visited that place, I prefer to have a nice memory of it, instead of...