Enniskerry
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Bray Head
Prominent coastal headland near Bray with ocean views
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Great Sugar Loaf
Conical hill near Dublin popular with hikers
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Manderley Castle
Historic Irish manor house in Leinster
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Powerscourt Estate
Large estate near Dublin with notable gardens
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Djouce
Popular Wicklow mountain for hiking and views
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Three Rock Mountain
Prominent Dublin Mountains peak with ancient standing stones
Enniskerry at a Glance
Costs: USD 90-140/day - close to Dublin so expect elevated prices, especially on weekends.
Safety: Safe, affluent village - low crime; popular with day-trippers and families.
Best Time: Apr-Sep - mild weather for gardens, waterfalls and Wicklow hikes.
Why Visit Enniskerry?
Close to Dublin yet framed by the Wicklow Mountains, Enniskerry is a magnet for garden lovers and hill walkers. Powerscourt Gardens and the grand Powerscourt Estate provide formal landscapes and waterfalls, while nearby trails in Wicklow lead to sweeping glens and historic follies. The village’s cosy cafés and pubs serve Irish stews and craft ales, making it easy to combine cultured gardens with outdoor adventure.
Best Things to Do in Enniskerry
Museum
Kilmainham Gaol
Former Dublin prison now a history museum
Amusement Park
Guinness Storehouse
Interactive museum about Guinness brewing history
Religious Site
Glendalough
Early medieval monastic site in glacial valley
Zoo
Dublin Zoo
Large city zoo in Phoenix Park, Dublin
Museum
National Museum of Ireland
Ireland's national museum preserving archaeology and cultural collections
Museum
James Joyce Tower and Museum
Georgian Martello tower housing James Joyce memorabilia
Stadium
Aviva Stadium
Modern Dublin stadium hosting rugby and football
Park
Croke Park
Large Dublin stadium, primary venue for Gaelic games
Enniskerry Bucket List
Don't Miss
Powerscourt Estate and House - Large estate featuring formal gardens, stately house, and visitor amenities in Enniskerry.
Powerscourt Waterfall - Ireland’s highest waterfall, reachable via short walk through wooded trails and viewpoints.
Enniskerry village core - Quaint village with eateries, craft shops, and easy access to surrounding estates.
Hidden Gems
Djouce Mountain walks - Less-crowded mountain trails with open ridges, heather, and panoramic valley views.
Local craft studios - Small galleries and studios showcasing ceramics, textiles, and Irish artisan work.
Avoca Handweavers (nearby Avoca) - Historic weaving mill offering textiles, café, and boutique shopping a short drive away.
Day Trips
Powerscourt Gardens - Extensive formal gardens, terraces, and seasonal planting with nearby café and shops.
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains - Historic monastic site and mountain trails offering lakeside walks and alpine scenery.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Enniskerry
Enniskerry shines from late spring through early autumn when trails are dry and gardens are in bloom. Winters are wet and changeable, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Winter
Wet, chilly and gray days; valley fog common. Indoor attractions and cozy pubs make winter tolerable, but outdoor plans are unpredictable.
Spring
Crisp mornings, blossoming gardens and improving trails; excellent time for quieter hikes before busier summer months with clear days and fewer crowds.
Summer
Mild, pleasant summers ideal for hiking, gardens, and nearby Powerscourt Estate; can be busy on weekends but very walkable and green.
Enniskerry's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (821 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 79 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 63 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 61 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 54 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 59 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 60 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 76 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 70 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 84 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 77 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 83 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Enniskerry
Enniskerry is a short drive south of Dublin and is best reached via Dublin Airport (DUB). Train connections to Bray plus local buses or taxis cover the final short leg into the village.
Dublin Airport (DUB): Dublin is the primary airport for Enniskerry. From DUB you can reach Enniskerry by direct taxi in about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic (fares typically €35-€55) or by coach to central Dublin and onward local bus services.
Shannon Airport (SNN): Shannon is much farther and not a practical arrival point for Enniskerry unless combining with wider travel plans. If arriving at Shannon, expect a longer rail or bus journey to Dublin and then a connection to Enniskerry.
Train: The nearest mainline rail stations for Enniskerry are in Dublin (Heuston, Connolly) and Bray. From Bray station you can connect by local bus or taxi to Enniskerry (about 10-20 minutes). Trains from Dublin to Bray run frequently (journey ~30-40 minutes).
Bus: Dublin Bus and private coach operators serve routes from Dublin city to Enniskerry and nearby villages. The Dublin Bus route 44/44B and private coach services provide links-times and fares vary (local bus fares usually around €2-€4; coach services to/from the airport are more). Taxis from Dublin or Bray are the fastest door-to-door option.
How to Get Around Enniskerry
Enniskerry is most conveniently reached from Dublin Airport by taxi or by train to Bray followed by a short local bus or taxi. For exploring the area, car hire or local buses are useful; the village itself is walkable.
- Taxi / private transfer (€35-€55) - Taxis from Dublin Airport or Dublin city to Enniskerry are the most direct option, typically taking 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around €35-€55 from the airport. Pre-booked transfers remove uncertainty for arrivals outside peak hours.
- Train + local bus/taxi (€3-€10 (combined)) - Take a Dublin commuter train to Bray (30-40 minutes) and then a short local bus or taxi to Enniskerry (10-20 minutes). This combination is often efficient and avoids city traffic, especially during weekday peaks. Check Irish Rail timetables for train services and Dublin Bus/Local Link for the last-mile bus.
- Dublin Bus / coach (€2-€8) - Direct bus services and private coaches link Dublin with towns south of the city; some services stop near Enniskerry. Local bus fares are low but frequency can vary-validate timetables ahead of travel, particularly on weekends.
- Car hire (€25+/day) - Hiring a car gives flexibility to explore County Wicklow and nearby attractions such as Powerscourt Estate. Roads are well maintained; parking in Enniskerry is straightforward outside peak tourist events. Book in advance during high season.
- Bicycle (€10-€25/day) - The area around Enniskerry and the Wicklow foothills is pleasant for cycling in good weather; note some hilly roads. Use a bike for short local excursions rather than inter-city travel.
- Walking - Enniskerry is compact and eminently walkable, with many attractions and eateries within easy walking distance. For longer scenic hikes into the Wicklow countryside, wear appropriate footwear and check local routes.
Where to Stay in Enniskerry
Budget
Enniskerry village - €50-120/night
Enniskerry has a mix of B&Bs and estate hotels; budget travelers should look for small guesthouses or off-season deals at nearby country hotels.
Powerscourt Hotel (Enniskerry) - Large estate hotel with varied rates
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village - Quiet country boutique with good value
Mid-Range
Powerscourt / Enniskerry - €90-220/night
Mid-range choices include Powerscourt and nearby country hotels with good dining and easy access to Powerscourt Gardens and walking routes.
Powerscourt Hotel - Estate hotel with spa and restaurants
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village - Comfortable, modern country-house accommodation
Luxury
Powerscourt Estate - €200+/night
Enniskerry’s top-end option is Powerscourt Hotel; book well in advance for suites and spa packages, especially during peak season.
Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection - Luxury spa, formal gardens, estate setting
Druids Glen Resort (nearby) - Upscale resort and golf facilities
Where to Eat in Enniskerry
Powerscourt & Gardens Cafés
Cafés around Powerscourt Estate focus on seasonal Irish produce, tea and simple lunches-perfect after exploring the walled gardens and estate paths.
- Powerscourt House & Gardens Café - Garden café with terrace seating and light lunches.
- Walled Garden Café (Powerscourt) - Seasonal soups, pastries and quick lunches.
- Powerscourt Hotel / La Touche Restaurant - Hotel dining and afternoon tea service.
Village Cafés & Pubs
Enniskerry’s village cafés and hotel tearooms serve hearty breakfasts, baked goods, and comforting pub-style plates close to the village green and gardens.
- Avoca Enniskerry (Avoca Café) - Cafe and shop offering baked goods and brunch.
- La Touche at Powerscourt Hotel - Seasonal tasting and classic Irish dishes.
- Powerscourt House Tearooms - Afternoon tea and home-baked scones available.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Enniskerry’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Enniskerry
Nightlife in Enniskerry is quiet. Evenings are centred on a few pubs and restaurants; there’s no club scene, and most visitors come for dining or early-evening walks rather than late-night entertainment.
Shopping in Enniskerry
Shopping in Enniskerry is small-scale and village-focused: craft shops, a few boutiques and farm-stand produce sales. The main draw for visitors is Powerscourt Estate, which has gift and garden-related shops alongside cafés.