Powerscourt & Glendalough

NATURE VIBES

On this tour, you will explore some of the most beautiful and historic places in Ireland. First, we visit Powerscourt Estate, a large country house near the Wicklow Mountains. The estate is famous for its stunning gardens, which are some of the most beautiful in Europe. You can walk through the Italian Garden, see the lovely Japanese Garden, and enjoy views of Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. There is also a charming café and gift shop where you can relax and try some Irish snacks.

After Powerscourt, we travel to Glendalough, which means “the valley of two lakes” in Irish. Glendalough is an ancient monastic site, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Here, you can see the famous Round Tower, old stone churches, and peaceful graveyards. The area is surrounded by forests, mountains, and lakes, making it perfect for a quiet walk or taking photos. The Upper Lake is especially beautiful and a great spot to enjoy nature.

During the tour, you will learn about Irish history, culture, and legends. Your guide will tell stories about monks, castles, and life in the Irish countryside. This trip is a wonderful mix of nature, history, and relaxation, and it is perfect for students who want to experience the real beauty of Ireland.

Glendalough is an ancient monastic site founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, a monk who wanted to live a simple and peaceful life in nature. Over time, it became an important religious centre where monks studied, prayed, and helped travellers. During the Viking and Norman invasions, many of the buildings were damaged, but the site remained an important place of pilgrimage. Today, you can still see the Round Tower, old churches, and the remains of the monastic city.

Powerscourt Estate was first built in the 13th century as a castle belonging to a powerful Anglo-Norman family. In the 18th century, the castle was redesigned into a grand mansion by German architect Richard Cassels. The famous gardens were also created around this time, inspired by Italian and French styles. In 1974, a fire destroyed much of the house, but it was later restored. Today, Powerscourt is known for its beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and historic house.

The Timetable for the Trip

09:00 - Meet at the location as informed by CES staff
09:00 - Take coach to Powerscourt
11:00 - Arrive at Powerscourt house and gardens
13:00 - Return to coach and prepare for departure to Glendalough
13:30 - arrive at Glendalough
14:00 - Watch short video in Glendalough Visitor Centre
15:00 - Free time / hike in Glendalough
16:00 - Get the coach back to Dublin

Points of interest

On the Coach — Heading to Powerscourt

Today we are visiting two very special places: Powerscourt House and Gardens and Glendalough. Powerscourt is famous for its beautiful gardens and a large historic house. It was home to a rich family for many years, and the gardens have many types of flowers, trees, and waterfalls. On the way, imagine walking through grand gardens and exploring a big old house. Powerscourt shows us how wealthy families lived in Ireland hundreds of years ago. Get ready for a fun day outdoors and some history!

At Powerscourt House and Gardens

We have arrived at Powerscourt! The gardens are very large and carefully designed. You will see fountains, statues, and peaceful paths with beautiful flowers. Powerscourt House is also interesting because it has a long history and beautiful rooms inside. Many movies and TV shows were filmed here. Take time to look around and enjoy the peaceful nature. Remember, gardens are living things — the flowers and trees change with the seasons. It’s a great place to relax and take photos.

Glendalough Visitor Centre

Now we travel to Glendalough, a famous valley known for its old monastic ruins and beautiful nature. At the Visitor Centre, we will watch a short video that tells the story of Glendalough — how monks lived here over 1,200 years ago. The name means “two lakes” in Irish because there are two lakes in the valley. After the video, you will understand why this place is important in Irish history and why many people love to visit it.

Free Time and Hiking in Glendalough

Now it’s time for some free time! You can walk, hike, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are paths around the lakes and through the woods. If you like walking, this is a great place to explore nature and see old ruins like churches and stone crosses. Remember to wear good shoes and be careful on the paths. After the hike, we will meet back at the coach to return to Dublin. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful valley before we head home!

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