Powerscourt Estate Celebrates Strong Visitor Numbers in 2014
Powerscourt Estate is celebrating very strong visitor numbers in 2014 as 380,000 guests visited Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall over the past 12 months. This represents a +10% increase on 2013 visitor numbers and confirms Powerscourt Estate’s place as the most visited paid tourist attraction in County Wicklow. 233,000 people visited Powerscourt Gardens in 2014, up +11% over the previous year, while visitors to Powerscourt Waterfall were up by +8% at 147,000.
Some high-profile visitors to the estate in 2014 included the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina, Chinese political leader Mr. Liu Yunshan, actors Timothy Dalton, Josh Hartnett, Colin Farrell, Gabriel Byrne and Travis Flimmel (known for his lead role as Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings). Popular TV series filmed on the estate in 2014 included gothic horror ‘Penny Dreadful’ and the historical drama ‘Vikings.’
Visitors from the United Kingdom to Powerscourt Gardens were up by +56% while USA visitors were up +50%. Visitors from China to Powerscourt grew by 25%, making them the third-most important market in terms of visitors to the gardens.
Celebrating the high number of visitors achieved, Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director of Powerscourt Estate commented: “2014 confirmed that our stunning Powerscourt House and Gardens is a must-see attraction in Ireland. Now number 3 in the world’s top ten gardens, as voted by National Geographic and awarded a certificate of excellence by Tripadvisor, it justifies our continued programme of investment in providing a better and better experience for our visitors.”
PHOTO CAPTION & CREDIT: Italian Gardens, Powerscourt Estate. Brian Morrison- photographer.
