Enniskerry City
Village in County Wicklow, near Powerscourt Estate
Footsteps to Powerscourt lead through Enniskerry’s tidy lanes: day-trippers come for Powerscourt House and Gardens, Ireland’s highest waterfall nearby, Wicklow Mountain walks and tea rooms that stay busy between hikes.
64°F
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#
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Enniskerry Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
December - February
4-9°C (39-48°F)
Wet, chilly and gray days; valley fog common. Indoor attractions and cozy pubs make winter tolerable, but outdoor plans are unpredictable.
March - May
6-14°C (43-57°F)
Crisp mornings, blossoming gardens and improving trails; excellent time for quieter hikes before busier summer months with clear days and fewer crowds.
June - August
13-21°C (55-70°F)
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 84 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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#
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
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
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#
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.
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.
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.
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.
