Powerscourt House to rise from the ashes

May 1997

A jewel in Wicklow’s heritage crown is set to sparkle once more, following the announcement of a Summertime re-opening of stately Powerscourt House.

After a restoration which many believed was impossible, the imposing Palladian-style home is to open as a major new visitor amenity for the tens of thousands who throng to the renounced Powerscourt Gardens every year.

Property owner Dr Michael Slazenger announced the resurrection of Powerscourt House at a reception last week, when he unveiled the details of the impending opening of a cafe, restaurant and tourist shop on the ground floor of the extensively restored house.

Contracts for the operation of a 7,000 sq ft retail outlet, 200 seat restaurant and cafe have been awarded to the award-winning Avoca Handweavers Group, while an information and interpretative centre on the history of the property is also to operate.

Dr Slazenger described the refurbishments, which are phase one of a £5 million re-development package at Powerscourt, as the realisation of a dream come true.

Works began at the Enniskerry stately home just over a year ago, with the property being completely re-roofed and new windows installed, and a major restoration being undertaken to the ground floor of the property.