Powerscourt Waterfall, Dublin - water falls in the middle of the forest
1 / 10

Powerscourt Waterfall Dublin

Ireland's tallest waterfall, a majestic 398-ft cascade set within serene ancient woodlands, offering a tranquil escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Powerscourt Waterfall, Dublin - water falls in the middle of the forest

Powerscourt Waterfall Dublin

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ireland's tallest waterfall, a majestic 398-ft cascade set within serene ancient woodlands, offering a tranquil escape.

4.6
(7k reviews)

"A truly breathtaking natural wonder, perfect for a peaceful day out surrounded by ancient trees and wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Return Taxi 🚕

Organize your taxi back from Enniskerry before you leave, as mobile signal is poor at the waterfall.

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Waterfall

The Majestic Waterfall

Main viewing area

Ireland's tallest waterfall plunges 398 feet, creating a breathtaking spectacle amidst ancient trees.

TikTok
Ancient Woodland Trails

Ancient Woodland Trails

Surrounding parkland

Wander through serene paths lined with towering trees, offering peaceful walks and wildlife spotting opportunities.

TikTok
Sika Deer Spotting

Sika Deer Spotting

Parkland

Keep an eye out for the resident sika deer that roam freely, adding a touch of wild charm to your visit.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Getting There from Dublin

Powerscourt Waterfall is a popular day trip from Dublin. While driving is easiest, public transport options exist. Consider booking return transport in advance, especially taxis, as mobile signal can be unreliable at the waterfall site. Reddit

Best Time to Visit for Scenery

The waterfall is stunning year-round, but spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding parkland. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. TikTok

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather, vibrant nature
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn weekdays
Why
Stunning foliage, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this Ireland roadtrip itinerary ⤵️ Total: 10 Days, approx. 1,500 kilometers Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny 🚐 Pick up your roadsurfer! 📍 Castletown House 📍 Powerscourt Estate 📍 Glendalough Day 2: Kilke...
@roadsurfer_com
86.2K likes • 1.6M views

Book Return Taxi 🚕

Organize your taxi back from Enniskerry before you leave, as mobile signal is poor at the waterfall. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. Reddit

reddit.com

Powerscourt waterfall from Dublin

reddit.com

Best way to get to Powerscourt Waterfall from UCD (without a car)?

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Enjoy a scenic lunch amidst nature. There are limited food options on-site, so bringing your own is recommended. Reddit

Check Bus Schedules 🚌

Dublin Bus route 44 goes to Enniskerry. From there, you can take a taxi or enjoy a scenic 1-hour walk. Reddit

reddit.com

An idea for an outing outside the city easy in transport ?

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Return Taxi 🚕

Organize your taxi back from Enniskerry before you leave, as mobile signal is poor at the waterfall. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. Reddit

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Enjoy a scenic lunch amidst nature. There are limited food options on-site, so bringing your own is recommended. Reddit

Check Bus Schedules 🚌

Dublin Bus route 44 goes to Enniskerry. From there, you can take a taxi or enjoy a scenic 1-hour walk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Powerscourt Waterfall for its breathtaking natural beauty and the serene atmosphere of its ancient woodlands. The majestic cascade is a major draw, offering a peaceful escape. However, some find the admission fee a bit steep, and the limited on-site amenities and potential difficulty in arranging return transport can be minor drawbacks for those relying on public transport.

"We had the most wonderful day at Powerscourt Waterfall! It’s an absolutely stunning location and perfectly set up for a fantastic family outing.
First off, the practicalities: Yes, there is an entry ticket to get in, but it is well worth the fee for access to such a beautiful and well-maintained area. There is plenty of car parking available close to the main picnic spots, which is very convenient. Clean toilet facilities are also on-site, which is always a bonus.
The waterfall itself is the main event, and it is truly breathtaking. As Ireland's highest waterfall, it's an incredibly impressive sight cascading down the rocks, and it provides a fantastic backdrop for the whole area.
What makes this place a 5-star destination for us are the brilliant family-friendly facilities. The kids absolutely loved the play area and had a great time running around. Best of all, this is the perfect spot for a barbecue! There are lots of open, grassy areas where you can set up for the day, and many families were enjoying a full cookout, which created a really lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
A top-tier attraction for a brilliant day out in nature. Highly recommended!"

Sethuraman Mahadevan

"It's suitable for picnics with many people and a good place for children to play. There are ice cream, hot dogs, French fries and other fast food. There are plenty of parking spaces. It's a good place to take pictures of waterfalls and play in the water. However, the mobile phone signal is weak after entering the mountainous area, so it is recommended to download an offline map!"

K T

"Visited Powerscourt Waterfall on a weekend afternoon with the family and it was absolutely beautiful. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest and truly a sight to behold—surrounded by peaceful woodland and perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, and the facilities were clean and well-kept. It is a private property owned and maintained by a wonderful family. There's plenty of options for doing a barbecue and you will be asked while entering the facility if you wish to do barbecue or not. If yes then there are additional charges for it. The entry ticket to this place has different prices for adults, kids and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or can be purchased at the gate too. There's also combo price for families. They also sell freshly produced honey which are produced in bee hives inside the estate. There's a huge children's play area inside. There is plenty of parking spaces for more than 70 cars at any given time. There's also a shop where you can buy fast foods for a quick bite. There is toilet facilities just besides the children's play area. The best option is to plan to spend the entire day here with family and friends doing a picnic. It’s a great spot to unwind, enjoy nature, and take some amazing photos. Highly recommend for families or anyone looking for a scenic day out near Dublin!"

Arjadip Das

What People Like

Stunning waterfall views
Peaceful woodland walks
Abundant wildlife spotting

What People Dislike

Admission fee cost
Limited food options
Taxi signal issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way is by car. If using public transport, take the Dublin Bus route 44 to Enniskerry. From Enniskerry, you can either take a taxi to the waterfall or enjoy a pleasant 1-hour walk. Reddit Some also suggest the DART to Greystones and then a taxi. Reddit

No, there isn't a direct bus service to the waterfall itself. You'll need to take a bus to Enniskerry and then arrange onward transport via taxi or by walking. Reddit

By car, it typically takes around 40-50 minutes from Dublin city center. Using public transport and then a taxi will take longer, potentially 1.5 to 2 hours depending on connections. Reddit

It's highly recommended to organize your return taxi from Enniskerry before you leave for the waterfall, as mobile signal can be unreliable at the site. Reddit

Yes, the walk is approximately 1 hour and is considered quite scenic. It's a good option if you don't want to spend money on a taxi and enjoy hiking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the Powerscourt Waterfall grounds. It's advisable to check the official Powerscourt Estate website for current pricing and opening hours. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Powerscourt Estate's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. TikTok

Powerscourt Waterfall is part of the Powerscourt Estate, and typically an admission fee grants access to both the waterfall and the surrounding grounds. TikTok

Discounts may be available for groups, children, or seniors. Check the Powerscourt Estate website for any special offers or package deals. TikTok

Generally, Powerscourt Waterfall is open year-round, but it's always a good idea to confirm operating dates and times on their official website, especially around public holidays. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the stunning waterfall itself. You can also explore the ancient woodland trails, enjoy picnics, and look for wildlife like sika deer. TikTok

Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids will enjoy the open spaces for running around and the natural beauty. Ensure they are supervised near the water. TikTok

Basic facilities are usually available, but it's wise to check the Powerscourt Estate website for specific amenity information. TikTok

Swimming is generally not permitted in Powerscourt Waterfall due to safety concerns and the powerful currents. TikTok

Some of the main paths may be accessible, but the woodland trails can be uneven. It's best to inquire directly with Powerscourt Estate about specific accessibility for wheelchairs. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The base of the waterfall offers dramatic shots. For wider views, find elevated spots in the surrounding woodland. Golden hour light can be magical. TikTok

Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the silky water effect. A wide-angle lens is great for the grand scale, and a polarizing filter can reduce glare. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and heritage sites. Always check the latest regulations with Powerscourt Estate before flying a drone. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more atmospheric scene. TikTok

Experiment with different angles, capture the scale by including people, and look for details in the surrounding flora and fauna. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Powerscourt Waterfall is a fantastic destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The open spaces around the waterfall are perfect for children to run and play safely, under supervision. TikTok The walking trails offer a chance for little legs to explore, and the natural beauty provides a stimulating environment. Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as it allows for a relaxed family meal amidst the stunning scenery. Reddit While the main paths are generally accessible, be mindful that some woodland trails can be uneven, so consider a sturdy stroller or carrier for very young children. TikTok

🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to walk and immerse themselves in nature, Powerscourt Waterfall offers a rewarding experience. The 1-hour walk from Enniskerry is a popular choice, providing a scenic prelude to the main attraction. Reddit Once at the waterfall, the surrounding ancient woodland trails invite further exploration. These paths are ideal for a leisurely hike, offering opportunities to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna, including the chance to spot sika deer. TikTok Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes as the terrain can vary, and bring water and snacks to sustain your adventure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall is a popular destination for those seeking a natural escape from Dublin. For travelers without a car, the journey requires a bit of planning. The most common public transport route involves taking the Dublin Bus route 44 which heads towards Enniskerry. Reddit From Enniskerry, visitors have a couple of options: a taxi, which is the quickest but most expensive, or a walk. The walk from Enniskerry to the waterfall is roughly an hour and is described as quite pleasant and scenic, making it a viable option for those who enjoy a hike. Reddit

For those considering a taxi, a crucial tip from locals is to organize your return journey in advance. Mobile phone signal can be very poor or non-existent at the waterfall site, making it difficult to book a taxi on the spot. Reddit Some travelers have also suggested taking the DART train to Greystones and then arranging a taxi from there, though this adds another transfer step. Reddit

Regardless of the chosen method, the journey is considered a worthwhile part of the experience, offering a glimpse into the Irish countryside before reaching the main attraction. TikTok

Experiencing the Natural Beauty

The star attraction at Powerscourt is, of course, the magnificent waterfall, which cascades down an impressive 398 feet, making it the tallest in Ireland. The sheer power and beauty of the water plunging into the pool below are captivating. TikTok The surrounding landscape is equally enchanting, featuring ancient woodland with towering trees that create a sense of timelessness and tranquility. These mature trees provide a beautiful canopy, especially vibrant in autumn. TikTok

Visitors often enjoy leisurely strolls along the well-maintained walking trails that wind through the parkland. These paths offer various perspectives of the waterfall and allow for peaceful immersion in nature. Keep an eye out for the resident sika deer that roam freely within the estate; spotting these graceful animals adds a special element to the visit. TikTok The rich birdlife also contributes to the serene atmosphere, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2