While Dublin draws most travelers thanks to its buzzing atmosphere, just 30 minutes south of Ireland’s capital city is an estate tucked within the wild Wicklow Mountains. Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa promises a peaceful retreat from the city within easy reach. Grand gates welcomed us to the grounds of this historic estate, dating back to the 13^th century.

© Aoife O’Riordan

The hotel, constructed in 2007, sits a stone’s throw from the historic estate and gardens. Subtle luxury instantly welcomed us to the hotel, with the lobby pouring into the afternoon tea area. The hotel, shaped somewhat like a gradual semi-circle, ensures guests get the best of the mountain views. Our suite, a Mountain View Suite with Balcony, spoiled us with our own terrace overlooking the sprawling lawns, fountain, and distant trees and mountains.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Upon entering, a white-marble bathroom sits to the left, complete with a spacious soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity. There’s even a small television embedded within one of the mirrors, making for the perfect soak with entertainment. A spacious room to the right is solely for storing clothes, with a full mirror for trying on outfits before dinner or a day exploring the estate.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Cozy and traditional are at the forefront of the living room and bedroom. A plush, subdued red couch and two lounge chairs face a television, which sits next to a minibar and coffee machine. One of the two French doors to the balcony sit at the end of the living room, the other of which can be found in the bedroom. Here, our dark-wood beds exude comfort, both with historic-looking chairs at the foot of them. Gold curtains frame the French doors, and a television surrounded by a rich wood entertainment center sits on the opposite wall of the balcony.

© Aoife O’Riordan

There’s a variety of on-site restaurants and lounges within the hotel. For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at The Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie, named after one of the passes within the Wicklow Mountains. Warm and inviting with a full wall of books, this restaurant first treated us to tasty drinks. I opted for The Sally Garden, one of the resort’s signature cocktails concocted with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Absolut Vanilla, Archers Peach Schnapps, elderflower cordial, lemon juice and peach syrup.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Melt-in-your-mouth beef rib with smoked mashed potato and a rich sauce, as well as Goatsbridge sea trout with asparagus and crushed new potato were the stars of the evening. Both dishes embraced a slower version of living, made with care and encouraging us to savor each bite in the relaxing ambiance of the greater resort. Even the dessert menu promises something decadent and flavorful, from a light and fluffy cheesecake with mint and yuzu to a rich chocolate and peanut mousse. Other food and beverage destinations in the hotel include fine-dining SIKA Restaurant, Sugar Loaf Lounge and The Terrace at Powerscourt.

© Aoife O’Riordan

This resort is meant for you to spend all of your time on the estate. On the ground floor, you’ll find the spa, which offers a wide range of treatments and LED-powered wellness options. Venturing down the dimly lit hall led me to the indoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs. A gym overlooking the mountains sits on the other side of the spa.

Beyond the actual hotel itself, the estate teems with sites and activities. We rented complimentary bikes located just outside the entrance and cruised over to the estate and gardens. The gardens require tickets (available to purchase on site), but they are worth every penny. From a unique, winding Japanese Garden to a Pet Cemetery honoring the former family of the estate’s past dogs and horses, the vast gardens could easily take up a whole day exploring. A walled garden, fountains and towering redwoods also lie within this park. You’ll feel as if you’re in different countries at various spots throughout, from Italy to Japan to England.

© Aoife O’Riordan

A short drive from the hotel (but still on the estate) is Powerscourt Waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Ireland. Also requiring a ticket to access, this waterfall is nearly 400 feet tall and flows down a jagged rock face into a pool below. After a trip to the gardens and waterfall or even a round of golf at the 36-hole course, you’ll soon understand how the hours and days easily slip by in utter pleasure.

Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa

Powerscourt Estate, Powerscourt Demesne, Eniskerry
Co. Wicklow, A98 DR12, Ireland
tel 353 1 274 8888