Overview
Enniskerry (Irish: Áth na Sceire, “rocky ford”) is a tidy, neo‑Tudor village of about 2,000 residents nestled in a verdant valley at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. It lies on the Glencullen River, roughly 20 km south‑south‑west of Dublin city centre, and is reached via the R117 – famously nicknamed “The Twenty‑One Bends”. The village’s compact square, lined with mock‑Tudor shopfronts, feels like a step back in time, yet it is a modern gateway to some of Ireland’s most celebrated natural and cultural attractions.
History
Enniskerry was deliberately laid out in the 1840s as a planned estate village for tenants of the Powerscourt Demesne. The original buildings were designed in a neo‑Tudor style, giving the square its distinctive Victorian charm. In 1861 the Viscount Powerscourt commissioned Saint Patrick’s Church, replacing the earlier Protestant chapel that had served the estate’s tenants since the 1850s. The Viscount also oversaw the creation of the Italian gardens that still frame the Powerscourt House today. Over the decades the village has retained its historic layout while evolving into a vibrant community with strong ecumenical links between the Roman Catholic parish of St Mary and the Church of Ireland parish of St Patrick.
What to See & Do
Powerscourt House, Gardens & Waterfall
The crown jewel of the area is Powerscourt Estate, a sprawling 47‑hectare property that includes an 18th‑century Palladian house (rebuilt after a 1974 fire), formal Italian gardens, a Japanese garden, a pet cemetery, and the Powerscourt Waterfall – at 121 m it is the highest waterfall in Ireland. Visitors can wander the terraced gardens, explore the historic house, and descend a well‑maintained path to the waterfall’s misty base. The estate also houses the Powerscourt Distillery, where the award‑winning Fercullen single‑malt whiskey is produced; tours are available on‑site.
Website: powerscourt.com Phone: +353 (0) 1 204 6000
Film‑Lover’s Walkthrough
Enniskerry’s square has been transformed into a cinematic set on several occasions. It featured in Laurence Olivier’s Henry V (1944), the romantic comedy Leap Year (2010), and most recently Disney’s Disenchanted (2022), when the whole village was dressed as a fairytale “Disney village”. A quick stroll lets you spot the temporary cobblestones, faux shopfronts and the clock‑tower draped in floral garlands that were installed for the shoot.
Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve
Just north of the village, the Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve offers a tranquil woodland walk among sessile oak, mixed‑species trees and a network of springs. The reserve is open from dawn to dusk year‑round (closed on bank‑holiday weekends unless a group request is made). It is an excellent spot for bird‑watching, invertebrate spotting and quiet contemplation.
Village Amenities & Shopping
The square hosts a handful of independent boutiques – Corner Studio, Objects, Smock Boutique, Botanical Art Gifts and the Enniskerry Antiques Gallery – perfect for picking up a unique souvenir. Avoca Handweavers provides a colourful store and café, while Poppies and Emilia’s (the latter famous from Leap Year) serve hearty Irish breakfasts and lunches.
Outdoor Adventures
Enniskerry is a natural base for exploring the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Way passes close by, offering gentle to challenging sections that lead to peaks such as Great Sugar Loaf, Kippure (757 m) and Djouce. The nearby Glencree Valley and Lough Tay (the “Guinness Lake”) provide spectacular scenery for walkers, cyclists and photographers. For golfers, Powerscourt Golf Club offers two championship courses set against dramatic mountain backdrops.
Walking & Cycling Routes
The area is criss‑crossed by well‑marked trails suitable for all abilities:
- Powerscourt Woodlands Circular – a 5.9 km moderate loop that weaves through the estate’s mixed‑species woodland, offering occasional glimpses of the waterfall. Ideal for a relaxed walk or a family bike ride.
- Powerscourt Waterfall & Maulin – a 14.5 km moderate hike linking the waterfall with the summit of Maulin (570 m). The route combines forest paths, open ridge walks and rewarding views over the valley.
- Glencree – Kippure Loop – a 12.9 km moderate circuit that starts in Glencree, climbs to Kippure and returns via Lough Bray Upper. The trail is praised for its varied terrain and panoramic outlooks.
- Lough Tay to White Hill to Djouce – a short 3.4 km walk that climbs to White Hill for a classic view of the “Guinness Lake” before descending to Djouce’s summit.
All routes are accessible from Enniskerry’s car parks and are well‑signposted in the Wicklow Mountains National Park visitor centre.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, consider a short drive to other Wicklow highlights:
- Avondale Forest Park and House – the historic home of Irish revolutionary leader Charles Stewart Parnell, set in 200 ha of woodland and lakes. The park offers gentle walks, a visitor centre and a café. (Avondale)
- Brittas Bay – a popular sandy beach on the east coast, just a 20‑minute drive from Enniskerry. It’s a good spot for swimming, surfing lessons and seaside picnics. (Brittas Bay)
- Russborough House – an 18th‑century mansion near Blessington, renowned for its art collection and landscaped parklands. (link pending – add when internal page exists)
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Bus: Dublin Bus route 44 runs hourly from the city centre (via O’Connell St, Dundrum Rd, Sandyford, Murphystown, Jamestown and Kilternan) and takes about an hour. Go‑Ahead Ireland route 185 operates every 30 minutes between Bray, Enniskerry and Powerscourt, a 25‑minute journey.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Bray (approximately 8 km east), served by Dart services from Dublin Connolly (10‑20 min frequency) and InterCity trains to Wicklow, Arklow, Gorey and Rosslare.
- By Car: Follow the M11/N11 southbound, exit onto the R117 at Kilroney Cross and follow the river valley into the village. Parking is available in the village square and at the Powerscourt Estate car park (free for estate visitors, but spaces fill quickly in summer – arriving early is advisable).
Visitor Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Knocksink Wood Opening Hours | Dawn‑to‑dusk year‑round; closed on bank‑holiday weekends (open on request). |
| Powerscourt Estate Admission | Adult €16, Child €8 (prices from estate website – confirm before visit). |
| Powerscourt Distillery Tours | €10 per adult, includes tasting of Fercullen whiskey. |
| Public Toilets | Available at Powerscourt House and in the village square. |
| Wi‑Fi | 4G coverage from Eir & Vodafone; 5G from Three (as of June 2024). |
Accommodation Options
| Name | Type | Accessibility | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summerhill House Hotel | 4‑star country house hotel | Wheelchair‑accessible rooms available | Spa, restaurant, 53 rooms, 5‑acre grounds |
| The Arch House | Heritage apartments | Ground‑floor apartment fully accessible | One‑bedroom luxury suites, private patios |
| The Enniskerry Inn | Gastro‑pub with B&B | En‑suite rooms, free Wi‑Fi | Award‑winning food, cosy fireside bar |
| Knockree Youth Hostel | Hostel & B&B | Wheelchair‑accessible rooms, dorms | Ideal for hikers on the Wicklow Way |
Dining
- The Enniskerry Inn – serves lunch (12 pm‑2 pm) and dinner (2 pm‑9 pm, Saturday‑Friday) with a focus on locally sourced Irish produce.
- Poppies Café – popular for homemade breakfasts and light lunches.
- Emilia’s – Italian pizza and pasta, famed from the Leap Year set.
- Avoca Café – located in the Handweavers store, offers soups, salads and cakes with garden views.
Practical Tips (as prose)
During the summer months the village can become busy, especially on weekends when day‑trippers from Dublin arrive. Booking a parking space at Powerscourt ahead of time is advisable if you plan to spend several hours exploring the gardens. The estate’s visitor centre opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). For those hiking the Wicklow Way, the Knockree Youth Hostel provides a convenient base with a large dining hall and laundry facilities. Wheelchair‑accessible accommodation is readily available at Summerhill House Hotel and The Arch House, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Contact Details for Key Services
- Powerscourt Estate: +353 (0) 1 204 6000 – powerscourt.com
- Enniskerry Inn: +353 1 273 4992 – theenniskerryinn.ie
- Summerhill House Hotel: +353 128 67928 – summerhillhousehotel.com
- Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve: Open dawn‑to‑dusk; contact via local council for group bookings.
Enniskerry’s blend of historic charm, world‑class gardens, dramatic waterfalls and easy access to the Wicklow Mountains makes it a compelling stop on any Irish itinerary – whether you’re a film buff, a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful village retreat.