Explore the Italian Gardens
The grandeur and impact of The Italian Garden is literally breath-taking. Pleasing symmetry and perfectly manicured formal planting contrasts with the rugged wildness of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. The result is one of the best views in Ireland for you to enjoy, before you stroll down the terraces to the tranquil peace of Triton Lake.
The series of terraces linking the house to the lake were quite a feat to create. They took over twelve years to build, with over one hundred men required to complete the task! The design of the upper stone terrace nearest the house was influenced by Villa Butera in Sicily. As a young boy, the 7th Viscount was brought out from his school room (aged 7) on 13th October 1843 to lay the first stone in the ground.
Interestingly, the 7th Viscount did not believe he would live to see the completion of the terraces. While many generations of the Wingfield Family did not live to see the completion of the work undertaken during their lifetime, they approached its development with gusto and enthusiasm and perhaps saw themselves as just one part of the evolution of Powerscourt. It is thanks to their imagination and hard work that we can enjoy the splendour and beauty of Powerscourt today.
Enjoy exciting sculptures of gods and myths, including statues of Apollo Belvedere and Diana, collected by the 6th and 7th Lord Powerscourt on their travels to Europe.
One of the most striking features of the Italian Gardens is the pair of life-sized winged horses which watch over the lake. They form part of the family coat of arms and were made by Professor Hugo Hagen in Berlin in 1869. The fountain on this dramatic lake is based on the one in the Piazza Barberini in Rome and completes the splendid vista from the house down to the lake.
Sustainability & Biodiversity
The long-term overarching mission at Powerscourt Estate is to be recognised on a global stage for our sustainability initiatives, and to be Net Zero by 2025.
