On Wednesday, 14th June, 19 of our members set off in glorious sunshine on a day’s outing to Powerscourt House and Gardens. Travelling by bus we didn’t feel the journey and arrived just in time for a relaxing coffee on the terrace of the Avoca Cafe. Here we enjoyed the breath-taking views of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

After coffee we were free to wander round the vast estate of laid out gardens, shopping area, garden centre and the distillery and visitors centre. The highest waterfall in Ireland was also an optional area to visit on the estate.

There are many gardens. First on the list was the rose garden. All the roses were in full bloom and very conveniently named if any of them took your fancy. There were roses of every colour, hue and fragrance.

The walled garden, with Ireland’s longest herbaceous border, was a riot of colour and scents. The garden also features the 240 year old Bamberg Gate which came from the Cathedral at Bamberg in Germany.

Powerscourt has one of the largest pet cemeteries in Ireland and this is the resting place of many of the family pets.

The Japanese garden gave us a glimpse of a different world with its azaleas, Japanese Maple and Chinese Fortune Palms. The grotto here is one of the oldest features of Powerscourt Gardens.

In the Tower Valley we came across the Pepperpot Tower which was modelled on a favourite pepper pot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table. There a great view from the top of the tower.

The Italian Gardens leading down to the Triton Lake offers the best in landscape gardening and design. The terraces were built in the 1840’s and took 100 men over 12 years to build. The fountain in the Triton Lake is based on the fountain in Piazza Barberini in Rome. The view from the top of the terraces down has to be one of the best views in Ireland. Looking back up from the bottom of the Triton Lake you realise the magnificence of the house and gardens.

It was extremely hot so our visit included many stops for tea/coffee and ice cream. We set off for home about 3.30pm and broke the return journey for a meal in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow. Here we were treated to a top class meal – three courses and wine. The food was only delicious and the service and attentiveness of the staff was second to none. Would highly recommend the Woodford Dolmen Hotel

It was a super day. Super venue, super travelling companions and a super meal to top off the day.