The gallery's highlights include the Yeats Museum, and works by Vermeer, Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. From here take a short stroll to the world famous Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells, the oldest manuscript in the world. After a spot of lunch why not explore Grafton Street, Dublin’s most famous shopping street. This is where you will find Brown Thomas, Ireland’s most prestigious department store.
If you would like to relax and refresh, please speak to us about a visit to Residence. Residence is a modern members club for men and women. The club is situated at number 41 St. Stephen’s Green, in a listed building dating back to the 1700´s. Still retaining its original period features and remaining true to its initial design, Residence upholds all the traditional values of a members club whilst adapting to the needs and requirements of contemporary society. Set over four floors and boasting a unique garden, Residence offers fantastic food, inspired cocktails and an extensive wine list in a relaxing yet luxurious environment.
If you would like to explore the famous Irish theatre we will be happy to recommend performances in either of the cities greats – The Abbey Theatre or The Gate Theatre. For dinner either pre- or post theatre, please ask our Concierge to assist you with a reservation at Town Bar & Grill. This popular restaurant is located in the old cellars of Mitchells Wine Merchants and opposite government buildings and is one of the best eateries in the city.
Powerscourt Gardens, which cover 47 acres (19 hectares), were laid out in two main periods. When the house was rebuilt in the decade after 1731, the surrounding grounds were laid out in a series of formal rides and parkland to the North, with carefully planned gardens and terraces to the South. The design reflected the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider landscape.
A century later the 6th Viscount Powerscourt instructed his architect, Daniel Robertson, to draw up new schemes for the Gardens. Robertson was one of the leading proponents of Italianate garden design which was influenced by the terraces and formal features of Italian Renaissance villas and perfected in gardens in France and Germany. He is said to have suffered from gout and directed operations from a wheelbarrow, fortified by a bottle of sherry. When the sherry was finished, work ceased for the day!
With the death of the 6th Viscount in 1844, his son resumed the work in the late 1850s when enormous numbers of trees were planted and the grounds were adorned with an amazing collection of statuary, ironwork and other decorative items.
Further generations of the Wingfields maintained the grounds up until 1961, when the Estate passed to the Slazenger family, under whose aegis the Gardens received more care and attention.
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. A church was built on this site in 1191 and in 1991 we celebrated 800 years of worship. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland (Anglican).
Today the Cathedral is open to everyone as both an architectural and historical site, but principally as a place of worship.
Built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from the 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show and tours may be arranged for visitors with special needs by prior arrangement.
Kilmainham Gaol played witness to Ireland's turbulent passage from the late eighteenth to early twentieth century. Prisoners from the United Irish Rebellion of 1796, the Emmet Rebellion of 1803, the Great Famine of 1845 to 1851, the Young Ireland Rebellion of 1848, the Fenian Rebellion of 1867, the Land War of the 1880s, the Easter Rising of 1916, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War were held and often executed here.
The locally known road, "The Twenty-One Bends" connects Enniskerry to the main road to Dublin. The mainly Protestant population of this village attended church in the grounds of the Powerscourt Demesne until 1859. At this time, Mervyn Wingfield, 7th Viscount Powerscourt built a new church, Saint Patrick's, in the village which was completed two years later in 1861.
This exquisite church and churchyard is situated at the top of Enniskerry and is definitely worth exploring. Delight too in inspecting the quaint antique shops and stylish boutiques or pay a visit to the Enniskerry Trading Company, which offers a veritable treasure trove of unique tableware, furniture and home accessories from around the world. For those interested in all things equine, Horse & Country is your one stop shop for all riding accessories.
For refreshments, investigate Poppy’s, a very popular and authentic Irish café which serves hearty hot and cold dishes, tea, coffee and pastries throughout the day. And if you wish to relax in true Irish style, the local pub Nancy Murphy’s serves casual food, a wonderful pint of creamy Guinness and a variety of other beverages.
Wicklow is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It is one of Ireland’s favored areas for hiking, with magnificent routes available throughout the countyside, from the ancient monastic heritage site of Glendalough across to the rugged, largely unspoiled West Wicklow hills and the towns of Blessington and Baltinglass. The diverse landscapes of the stunning Wicklow county include idyllic blue flag beaches with hidden coves nestling near dramatic lakes and bustling towns and villages.
For the more energetic, why not try to climb the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain which can be clearly seen from The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt. It is also only a 15 minute drive to the nearest car park at the base of the climb and is suitable for both children and adults alike as two routes are offered. The short route takes about one hour and the longer route takes two to three hours to complete. There is a great sense of achievement when climbers reach the top along with stunning views of the Wicklow countryside, also known as The Garden of Ireland.
Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre is located on the picturesque Dargle River Valley, one mile south of Enniskerry Village and 10 minutes from the hotel. This man-made lake is the ideal spot for Rainbow trout fishing. The lake comprises of 4 acres of water, 5 islands, peninsulas and coves. All equipment can be hired and the daily catch may be released or taken home for a delicious feast.
For more experienced anglers, The River Dargle rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows in a north-easterly direction for 12 miles; passing through the beautiful Dargle Glen in a series of rapids and waterfalls before entering the Irish Sea at Bray. It is one of Ireland’s prime sea trout rivers and regularly produces excellent fishing for large sea-trout. The best of the sea-trout fishing is from May to September. This river also gets a small run of grilse in the summer months. Most of the fishing on the Dargle is controlled by the local Angling Club and private individuals. Fly fishing here can be arranged through the Hotel Concierge.
Brennanstown Riding School is a family run business started by former Three Day Event rider Jane Kennedy in the 1970's. Located only 10 minutes drive from The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, the riding school started out with two ponies on loan and now has over seventy horses and ponies on site.
Brennanstown is a training centre for the world recognized British Horse Society qualifications and is also one of only a handful of Irish centers approved to hold BHS examinations up to a Stage IV and Intermediate Teaching Level (BHSII).
The centre is recognized both locally and nationally as one of Irelands' most professionally run equestrian centers.
The River Walk, a private and hidden gem, deep within the walls of Powerscourt Estate is one of Ireland’s most charming and secluded places to explore. Its ancient and unspoiled beauty is carefully protected. Only a very select few are invited to enjoy the splendor that lies beyond the gates to this very charming and secret space.
The heritage of The River Walk can be found in the ancient trees surrounding over 3 kilometers of winding walkways that meander through this secluded acreage. The River Walk’s main pathway was laid in 1868 by the Viscount of Powerscourt so that his family could enjoy the serenity ofThe River Dargle.
Upon entering The River Walk, follow the main path which will lead you down towards the tranquil tune of the river and to where the pathway splits in two. To the left is almost 1 kilometer ofnature’s most precious woodlands and to the right, a 2 km walkway offers an array of river side picnic areas. The real beauty and essence of The River Walk is found in the many secret woodland trails that radiate from the main pathway and which are very safe and easy to explore.
Access to the River Walk can be arranged through the Hotel Concierge and guests can travel by foot, bicycle or golf buggy. Gourmet picnics can also be arranged.