Ritz Carlton Powerscourt :

A trip to Ireland must begin (in my opinion) in the capital city of Dublin. But what if you also want to soak up some of the countryside during the same trip? If you have time, I’d recommend crossing the country to the west coast where County Kerry and County Galway offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.

If you don’t have this kind of time, all you need to do is head 30 minutes south of Dublin to County Wicklow, where a special Ritz Carlton will give you an Irish welcome.

The Ritz Carlton Powerscourt
On a Friday evening we drove south of Dublin into the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. As we passed through the gates of the Powerscourt Estate towards the Ritz Carlton, a country quiet settled over the road. I hadn’t noticed the stars twinkling above at all in Dublin – but just 30 minutes south and they were so bright their light pierced through the canopy of trees over the road.

Checking in at the front desk, it was clear that we had entered a Ritz Carlton with an Irish twist. While the service was professional, it was also informal. The lobby had all the grandeur you might expect from a Ritz Carlton, but warm touches including wood-burning fireplaces and plenty of places to get cozy with the newspaper. A bellman escorted us to our room, and throughout the weekend offered a cheery hello when our paths crossed.

Our evening arrival left us thirsty for a night-cap, so after unpacking a little we ventured from our suite downstairs to the authentic Irish pub in the hotel called McGills. Here the pints of Guinness are just as good as you would find at any pub in Dublin. Just as our glasses were emptied, a cozy-quiet settled over the hotel, making it feel like our own private luxury cabin far away from other travelers, the city – or any noise at all.

The Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Powerscourt Estate
The next morning, the most miraculous thing happened. There was not one cloud in the sky. In Dublin - the city known for its grey skies and soft rain - we woke to a picture perfect day. From the bed, I could control the curtains and opened them to reveal a postcard-perfect image of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. I stepped out onto the balcony of our suite to savor the views. I could hardly believe this level of quiet and serenity was only 30 minutes south of the bustling capital city.

When hunger pangs hit that morning I was glad I wasn’t isolated in my own country kitchen – and a delicious spread was ready and waiting downstairs in Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Irish delicacies such as smoked salmon, homemade brown bread, and local cheeses too. The staff made a personal impression, and greeted us again like old friends when we returned in the evening for dinner. 

The Great Outdoors
Part of the pleasure of visiting the Ritz Carlton Powerscourt is beyond the hotel’s doors. This five star hotel sits on one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland, and there is an activity for every fitness level. After a hearty breakfast, we were ready for some exercise, and headed over to the river walk for a stroll. I couldn’t have felt farther from the city as I encountered horses chomping on grass and we wandered along riverside paths. The hotel will prepare gourmet picnic baskets if you want to make this a whole-afternoon affair.

There’s plenty more to explore however. An impressive waterfall is also located in the Powerscourt Estate, along with gardens, a café with some of the best scones in Ireland (try the mixed berry scone from Avoca and just try and tell me different) and championship golf courses too. The hotel also has its own bike concierge if you’re interested in cycling – this is a great way to cover more ground on the estate in less time.

Unwinding Before Dinner
Perhaps the best part about heading out for a long hike is a reward when you return to the hotel. We had a couple’s massage and after relaxing in a private spa suite for an hour, all the stiffness in my neck and back was worked away. The spa also has an incredible indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. I could have stayed for hours – but we had dinner reservations at Gordan Ramsay’s restaurant and after the impressive breakfast spread I couldn’t wait to see what was on the menu for dinner.

A Meal to Remember
A special hotel ....