The Powerscourt tour demonstrates what it is like living in the Eighteenth century. The tour details how the Wingfield family owned Powerscourt Townhouse and that the house was used for parties and entertaining. Lord Powerscourt (Richard Wingfield) was an M.E.P and would come from his main house in Enniskerry to entertain at Powerscourt.
Shireen Marcus is the tour guide and comments on how the tour is “like stepping back in time”. Shireen is fluent in Italian and French and offers the tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
The tour begins in what was the original kitchen of the Wingfield family home. The trendy wine bar, Ba Mizu is currently replacing the eighteenth century kitchen but
the original fireplace can still be seen in Ba Mizu. Similarly as the tour progresses traces of the Wingfield family are everpresent.
The tour also reveals how the modern day shopping centre compliments the eighteenth century townhouse. Lady Powerscourt’s Dressing Rooms have appropriately
become the hairdressers, Pzazz. The exquisite plasterwork still remains on the ceilings and walls of all the rooms. The original mahogany staircase and tiling is still intact. The Drawing room which was used for supper and card playing is now the beautiful TownBride retail outlet.The Ballroom which would have had many paintings adorning the walls has become the Solomon Gallery.
The tour also shows the new part of Powerscourt Centre which was built after the demise of the Wingfield family. The blend and harmony of old and new side by side is an important tenet of the tour. By the end, you are guided back to the 21st century and shown around the design centre.
To begin this interesting Georgian experience meet at the Information Desk on the ground floor. The Desk provides many important services for customers of the centre. It is basically a Mini-tourist Office, information about the centre is provided, tickets are on sale for Dublin City Tour Bus and vouchers for the shopping centre are also available.
Tour available in French or Italian.
Times: Friday and Saturday at 3pm
Large groups can only be accommodated if they book in advance