A Best-of-Class Resort Hotel for the Really Fussy Among Us
Posted: Monday, February 07, 2011
by Wayne and Judy Bayliff
the2writers.com
Ireland is referred to as The Emerald Isle because of its seemingly endless expanses of verdant trees, deep woods, and rolling green hills. County Wicklow is called the Garden of Ireland, and 1000 of the county’s best acres are home to the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt and the Powerscourt House and Gardens. Read this article and you may want to start packing.A long and noble history
The Powerscourt site in County Wicklow, Ireland was first settled in the 12th century, but it was not until 1299 that a castle was finally erected by the namesake Power family. The castle and lands changed hands numerous times over the next four centuries. The Wingfield family was in possession in 1731 and built a magnificent mansion around the earlier castle structure. The existing manor evolved through several major modifications up through the late 1800s when the house was celebrated as one of the finest in all of Ireland.
In 1974, a fire tragically took the famous house. The ruins of the mansion were the only structures to be seen at the site for the next 22 years.
In 1996 the owners of the Powerscourt House began the monumental task of rebuilding the old mansion to its current state of renewed grandeur.
Artisans sited new windows exactly in pre-fire locations, and the grand ballroom was painstakingly and lovingly restored to accommodate the seating of 140 guests. Every effort was made to preserve the remarkable old building's earlier epoch.
Today, tourists visiting Ireland can enjoy the authentic and historic Powerscourt House and Gardens, a true Irish estate that is simply awe-inspiring.
The elegant main house overlooks kingly Italian terraced gardens, the serene Triton Lake fountain and grotto, and numerous old statuary – many dating back to the early 18th century. An easy walk on estate grounds will take you to a Japanese garden, a horse pasture, and a centuries old pet cemetery as well as an exquisite walled flower garden.
Ritz-Carlton adds to the glory of Powerscourt
A renowned developer, Treasury Holdings owns the adjacent land to the old mansion. They collaborated with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to build a lavish hotel that both complements and enhances the beautiful estate and neighboring Powerscourt House and Gardens.
The much-anticipated Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt opened its doors on October 1, 2007.
The spirits of generations of past owners and guests must take great satisfaction and pride in this new five-star addition to the grand estate!
A hotel with a unique design
The neo-classical Palladian architectural design of the hotel is both rare and appealing. Built on the slope of a hill, the lobby entrance is actually located on the fourth floor of the hotel. The lower floors have restaurants, suites, convention facilities, and the spa and fitness centers. All have magnificent views of the nearby Sugar Loaf Mountain. The levels above the lobby also have suites and guestrooms. There are 124 suites and 76 deluxe rooms – an unusual mix that in its own way defines the clientele.
Choose your elegance
Our hotel tour was conducted by Sinead Cox, the charming and knowledgeable Public Relations Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt. Sinead explained, “Each guestroom and suite at Powerscourt is designed to be a fitting home for any duration.”Averaging 700 square feet, each room is lavishly decorated with fine quality furniture in a tasteful décor with strong classical influences. Advanced and unusual amenities are at your fingertips – complimentary internet access – electronic drapes and lighting – a spacious rain-shower – in mirror TV – even a free shoeshine if desired.
A resort for all seasons and every reason
The classic Ritz-Carlton touch has made Powerscourt a destination to be enjoyed by all
discerning travelers. Each visitor will find his or her own personal treasures within its boundaries. For some it is a romantic getaway with tantalizing fascinations for body and spirit. For others it is a secluded hideaway with hidden trails to hike or bike, and rivers and waterfalls to explore. Be sure to grab a complimentary bottle of water from the Concierge before you journey out.Conventioneers' rejoice in the hotel’s offering of 10,000 square feet of event, meeting, and banquet space - and a ballroom that can accommodate 600 guests. All fully supported by state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment and technicians.
Golf enthusiasts will find two excellent 18-hole golf courses, and history buffs will relish the famous Powerscourt House and Gardens.
The River Walk
Just beyond the Powerscourt house is the River Walk. A private sloping wooded trail
constructed in 1867 so the landowner and his family could enjoy a carriage ride to a waterfall and the Dargle River. The waterfall is the tallest in Ireland and cascades down almost 400 feet to the river.The road is complete with a dense forest of varietal trees originally planted for the pleasure of the 7th Viscount of Powerscourt in the 1870’s. In more recent times, the woodlands have provided scenic backdrops for such popular films as Braveheart, Far and Away, Excalibur, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Plan to spend lunch in the glade of your choosing, and enjoy a picnic provided by the hotel kitchen consisting of such delicacies as traditional Irish smoked salmon, local cheeses and breads, and topped off with sumptuous blueberry shortcake. Yummy!
Speaking of unique dining experiences
The third floor of the Ritz-Carlton is home to the Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt restaurant. Named after the famous chef, this elegant dining facility has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the scenic hills of County Wicklow. The menu is a gourmand’s glimpse of the Foodies’ Valhalla with signature dishes such as lobster ravioli, and John Dory, which is usually accompanied by something from the local garden -- and always with something delicious. All abetted by a carefully assembled cellar of the world’s most exquisite wines.For an extra-ordinary dining experience, ask about eating at the Chef’s table inside the kitchen of the Gordon Ramsay. The ‘U’ shaped observation/dining table seats ten and is a ticket that allows each guest an entry to view the symphony and spectacle of food preparation in one of the world’s great restaurants.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
No great hotel is without its unique spa and the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt has ESPA. ESPA is 20,000 square feet of utter luxury. 20 treatment rooms and two private spa suites will provide you with a quintessential touch of deep relaxation and peaceful indulgence. Breathe in the exotic aromas, soak up the serene music, and slip into your most pleasing place of mind. You are now right for the regenerative magic of the assorted body treatments available from the skilled therapists at ESPA. If you are like us, you will not want to leave.
In addition to ESPA, the Ritz also has a superb conditioning center with every imaginable device to help you bring your fitness routine along with you to Ireland. The views from the floor to ceiling windows of the exercise center are spectacular. A quick shower and a plunge into the black marble indoor lap pool – lit by an inlaid sky-full of Swarovski crystals – and you are prepared for whatever your future has in store.
Village of Enniskerry
Just a few minute’s walk outside the Powerscourt Estate lies the charming little Victorian village of Enniskerry. Built in the 18th century to house the tenants and caretakers who worked the estate, this classically Irish community offers tourists an opportunity to dine in five local restaurants and browse a half dozen boutique shops that line the main street. Bring your camera for shots of picturesque cottages and a historic clock tower in the village center.
Whether you are seeking the perfect holiday escape, an Epicurean adventure, or the ultimate event experience, the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt is it. This is a place of Irish magic. We can’t wait to return.
If you go
The Powerscourt estate is located in Eastern Ireland just 30-miles south of the Dublin International Airport, and the city center of Dublin.
For more information about the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt check out their website at: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Powerscourt/Default.htm
We recommend Aer Lingus for convenient non-stop flights between New York and Dublin.
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
This was really amazing. I hope I can visit Ireland some day and enjoy the beauty of nature as well as the brilliance of ancient architecture.We hope you will make that trip. It is a lovely and historic country.. and the people are great!
Great article and pics.TU
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