Enniskerry Travel Guide

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.

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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.
Time
Weather
Population
1,889
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good bus links to Dublin, English widely used, plenty of cafes and shops.
Popularity
Busy at weekends; attracts garden lovers and walkers.
Known For
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, Powerscourt Waterfall, Wicklow Mountains, cafés, hiking trails, craft shops, equestrian activities, picturesque village centre
Enniskerry sits below Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, one of Ireland's great country estates.

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.

Top Things to Do in Enniskerry

All Attractions ›
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.

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
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.
Spring
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.
Summer
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.

Best Time to Visit Enniskerry #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit
JuneSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

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.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

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.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 village is compact and easily walkable - most visitors move between the main street, cafés and the nearby Powerscourt Estate on foot. Regular local buses and coach tours link Enniskerry with Dublin and surrounding towns; taxis are available for more flexible travel. If you’re visiting the estate or the Dublin commuter belt, check bus schedules in advance during weekends and peak tourist times to avoid waits.

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.
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.
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.

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.

Pizza
Chinese
Indian
Fish & Chips
Asian
Burger
Thai
Italian
Sandwich
Greek
Juice
Japanese
Pakistani
Wine
Chips
Donut
Irish
Sushi
Tapas
French

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.

  • Powerscourt Estate - Historic estate with gardens, cafes and small on-site craft and gift shops.

Nearby Cities #