Delight in New Places

I recently visited the Powerscourt Estate near Dublin and discovered a new favourite place. I love the Avoca café’s in Ireland and that was what initially drew me to the location, but the gardens and the views are superb.

The house was commissioned in 1730 by the 1^st Viscount Powerscourt and a 68-roomed mansion was completed in 1741. It was designed around a medieval castle with Palladian architecture and had baroque dome-roofed towers on either side. An extra storey was added in 1787. In 1961 the Slazenger family bought the estate from the 9^th Viscount Powerscourt.

Tragically, like one of my other favourite places, Witley Court in Worcestershire, UK, a fire gutted the house in 1974 leaving a roofless shell. In 1996, it was re-roofed and now houses gift and interior shops.

The gardens have a wonderful view of Sugerloaf mountain and have a very peaceful energy. I thought I’d share the delight my visit produced. I shall be going back.