Set amidst one of the most scenic and historic estates in Ireland, The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, a 200-room resort showcasing Palladian style architecture, opened its doors in October 2007. The distinctive attractions of this first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Ireland are a Gordon Ramsay signature restaurant, a very spacious and luxurious spa by ESPA and two championship-calibre golf courses on the grounds.
Situated on the doorstep of Dublin city on the grounds of the 1,000 acre (404 hectares) Powerscourt House and Gardens, the resort’s tranquil countryside location traces its origins to the 12th century. With a wooded site overlooking the slopes of The Sugar Loaf Mountain, The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt has been designed to graciously blend into the estate landscape which is dotted with cultivated gardens, expansive terraces, fountains, statuary and waterfalls. The estate is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Ireland.
“Ireland is one of the world’s favourite destinations, known for both its natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the Irish people. We believe the Powerscourt location on the east coast is the perfect spot for a resort which caters to individuals and groups looking for the best of all worlds—a site close to the city of Dublin yet offering the beautiful countryside for which Wicklow is renowned,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Georgian-inspired interiors of the resort blend classic design with updated services and amenities. Guestrooms are some of the most spacious in Ireland, and include 124 suites with an average size of 700 square feet (68 square meters). Many offer floor to ceiling windows, as well as outside terraces, to fully appreciate the beauty of the gardens and surrounding Wicklow countryside. Walk-in dressing rooms, bathrooms with rainforest showers and in-mirror televisions, as well as touch panel controls make rooms a model of comfort and convenience.
The Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt features surroundings suitable to the Wingfield family, who in the 1700s first commissioned the original Powerscourt mansion. With 2,500 square feet (232 square meters) of space, the apartment includes two bedrooms, a private dining room, secluded rooftop garden, and a plunge pool, as well as panoramic views of the estate. These palatial surroundings are be available for €5,000 per night.
Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt is the acclaimed celebrity chef’s first location in Ireland. “Ireland is internationally renowned for the quality of its food and the warmth of its hospitality. We are committed to providing an amazing dining experience in this magnificent setting,” the London-based chef explained. The restaurant, on the hotel’s third floor, also offers al fresco dining on the terrace to take full advantage of the Sugar Loaf Mountain views.
For guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, a visit to ESPA will be both a pampering and relaxing experience. The 30,000 square foot (2,788 square meters) facility includes 20 treatment rooms and 2 private spa suites. A full range of both traditional and cutting edge beauty and wellness treatments are on the spa menu, along with a fully-equipped fitness centre which includes a black marble lap pool, inlaid with Swarovski crystals.
Other recreational activities include a focus on golf at the estate’s two championship courses, trout fishing on the River Dargle and horse-back riding through the nearby countryside. The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt will feature many running trails and the opportunity for guided hikes in the area of The Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Special events and meeting space at the hotel are flexible and varied. The Ballroom measures 5,959 square feet (558 square meters) and can serve 400 for a seated dinner and up to 600 for a reception. A private three tier secret garden adjacent to the function rooms offers the perfect venue for pre-event cocktails for social gatherings, especially weddings.
See more on this article and pictures of the Ritz Carlton Powerscourt here.
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