Our Away Day!
Written by Vicky on July 23, 2024 | 2 Comments
We All Need A Break Sometimes
Our summer could have been better, weather-wise, here in Ireland. True, we've had considerably less to complain of than those enduring heatwaves and wildfires, but call us picky: it's nice to see the sun occasionally! It has a habit of being bright during the daytime when we're busy working and then raining in the evenings and over the weekends. Truthfully, it can be a little demoralising. (I say that as I clatter away at my keyboard in my office with the blinds pulled down because it's too sunny for me to see my monitor..!) The trick, then? Take a day off!
Photo Credit: Jonmsailor at Unsplash
A Midsummer Meander.
We elected to take a day off on the Summer Solstice, which, thanks to its being a Leap Year, was the 20th of June. Rather than spend the whole day trekking to some far-off beauty spot, we decided to take advantage of what we have on our doorstep...relatively speaking.
Wind your way through the trees until you see it...
Photo Credit: D. Lewin
County Wicklow - east coast, next county south of Dublin - is known as the Garden of Ireland, and with good reason. Not only does it have the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, with their dramatic scenery and loughs, St Kevin's monastery and round tower at Glendalough, and the glorious Mount Usher gardens, but it is also the location of the famous Powerscourt Estate. More importantly, for our purposes, it also contains the Powerscourt Waterfall.
Free Fallin'
Snug between Djouce and Maulin mountains, the Dargle River flows over the falls and is bounded by Crone Woods to its north. Its source is on the southern side of Tonduff Mountain, and it travels twelve miles from there, through the Glencree Valley, before reaching the Irish Sea at the old Victorian seaside town of Bray.
Not a bad view...
Photo Credit: V Lowsley
If you want to feel like you're properly outdoors, then a waterfall is an excellent place to visit. The gentle spray carried by the breeze and the clean air from the surrounding plant life makes the world feel like a better place. The water's clear, lively, and so enticing that Jane looked seriously tempted to take a dip. It's a wholly refreshing atmosphere, plus nothing brings out one's inner child like clambering around on rocks beside a river, right?
Do we think Ciarán and Gemma need an excuse to act like kids? No? Didn't think so!
Photo Credit: D. Lewin
Side Note: Quick Fact Check
If you search online, most websites will tell you that Powerscourt Waterfall is the tallest in Ireland at 121m or 397ft. This is not true, as far as I can tell. The tallest is, in fact, Sruth in Aghaidh An Ard , also known as The Devil's Chimney, on the border between counties Sligo and Leitrim. It boasts a height of 150m or 492ft, which is a significant difference. It may be excluded from the reckoning because it doesn't flow all year round; I can't find any reason why it would be discounted other than Powerscourt is more tourist-friendly. Anyway, it was a little too far for a day trip from Dublin. From Cavan, though, it looks much more manageable. I shall add it to my list!
Let playtime begin!
Ciarán, Ruth, Margaret, Jill, and Jane.
Photo Credit: D. Lewin
Anyway, whether it's the highest or second highest, we had a good ol' scramble around, and if you're lucky enough to enjoy your colleagues' company outside of work, it's a pretty great way to spend some time! You don't need me rambling on at this point - the photos will speak for themselves!
You get extra marks if you can spot Ciarán in this picture.
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler
Gareth busy taking photos
Photo Credit: V. Lowsley
Ruth, Margaret, and Jane.
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler
Margaret and Gemma looking radiant in the Wicklow sunshine!
Photo Credit: G. Butler
Downstream from the waterfall.
Photo Credit: V Lowsley
Danny being King of The Castle
Photo Credit: G Butler
Jill, Ciarán, and Gemma feeling a little smaller than usual.
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler
Danny and me contemplating life.
Photo Credit: G Butler
A rare photo of us in the one place at the one time!
From L-R: Danny, Jane, Gareth, Ruth, Jill, Vicky, Margaret, Ciarán, and Gemma.
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler
Anyone For Tea?
If you're going to have playtime outdoors, even as an adult, there's no better way to round it off than afternoon tea—wouldn't you agree? The waterfall is about three-and-a-half miles from the main entrance to the Powerscourt Estate, which is at the edge of Enniskerry village. On the grounds of the Estate is the Powerscourt Hotel, which was our next destination.
The face of wonder...
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler
I'd love to say we were dainty and refined, but I'd be lying. The tea menu alone was longer than most restaurants' wine lists, and naturally, they offer varieties of coffee and alcoholic beverages, too. We had options for afternoon tea for vegetarians, vegans, and those who are gluten-free, so although we're usually a tricky group to facilitate, it turned out to be easy on this occasion. Gathering around a large table overlooking the lawns, we were very excited to see someone having a falconry display! Also, there were delicious sandwiches, scones, and cake. Really, we all got a bit giddy!
We're all excited by cake, let's face it!
Photo Credit: G. Butler
When we eventually departed from the hotel, we all agreed that eating anything else for the next twenty-four hours was a laughable notion. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you fancy a good afternoon tea, I'd recommend wearing anything with an elasticated waistband—you'll need it! The very lovely gentleman who oversaw this region of the hotel commemorated us in all our overfed glory. As you can see, yours truly was a little flushed, but I remain unrepentant.
Many empty plates and full bellies.
Photo Credit: My Irish Jeweler.
I think it's a measure of how well our team meshes that we can go out on what essentially amounts to grown-up play dates together, and this makes me very happy. (I doubt I'm the only one!) That we have so many incredible sites of natural beauty to go and hang out in makes it even better.
Have You Seen The Sights At Powerscourt?
We know Powerscourt is a firm favourite with visitors to Ireland, so if you've travelled there, we'd love to hear from you. Did you enjoy the beautiful gardens or visit the majestic waterfall? What memories did you bring home with you? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Vicky
My Irish Jeweler
My Welsh grandmother introduced me to two of my great loves in life before I was four years of age: she taught me to read and, under careful supervision, permitted me to look through her jewelry box. Stories and shiny things have been my passions ever since!
In the forty years I have lived here, Ireland has changed dramatically in virtually every aspect. Among its constants, though, is a rich tradition of decorative adornment and storytelling in all its forms: from the ancient carvings at Newgrange, the beautiful golden torcs in the National Museum, and the world-famous Book of Kells, to our modern designers, writers, musicians, and craftspeople. Celtic creativity is more powerful today than ever, and that is why it's my honor to share our stories and witness yours.
Comments
Thank you for taking us along on your adult play date. Pretty great to see you all having fun together--makes work all the more enjoyable!
Ask Gemma
Hi Carol,
Thank you for joining us! We had such a good day, and yes, it makes work all the better when your colleagues are - not to put too fine a point on it - spectacular! ;D