Prepare to be wowed at this stunning five star hotel and spa set in the luscious surroundings of Co. Wicklow's Powerscourt Estate. Whether visiting as a couple or family, there are plenty of packages to suit all ages and ensure your stay is extra special. Of which more later... 

 

Part of the renowned Ritz group, this grand Palladian-style hotel opened in October 2007 and overlooks Sugar Loaf Mountain. And its pastoral location means you can stroll to the equally sumptuous 18th century Powerscourt House & Gardens with its picturesque walks and Avoca shop and cafe. An exploration of the Estate's lush expanse reveals why Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland. Scenic mountain drives to quaint and historic villages such as Glendalough, Avoca and neighbouring Enniskerry add to the area's charm. And a short drive to Powerscourt Waterfall - Ireland's highest - reaffirms Co. Wicklow as a must-see destination.

 

Back at the hotel, the 4th floor lobby reveals yet more of those enviable vistas. Over half of the hotel's rooms are suites - one is Ireland's largest -  and all the antique-style furniture is bespoke. Rainforest showers, marble baths and electronically controlled lights, curtains and air-con come as standard and the 20m swimming pool is illuminated with Swarovski crystal lights. Seductive and de-stressing ESPA spa treatments range from The Warming Peat Ritual to Salt and Oil Scrub, and the Thermal Suite includes a Sauna, Vitality Pool and Amethyst Crystal Steam Room.  

 

And there's more... one of the three dining areas is celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s Irish debut, and it comes complete with a fantastic chef’s table from which to watch the professionals at work. The more informal McGill's Irish Pub serves up traditional food and the obligatory pint of the Black Stuff in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can also land their chopper on the hotel's helipad, then sink putts in the magnificent two course Powerscourt Golf Club. 

 

Children's Programmes ensure junior guests enjoy an overnight to remember, too. What little boy or girl could resist the Happy Camper (from €40pp) - their very own tent pitched in your room with a secret picnic and torch for midnight munchies? Daughters will delight in The Little Princess package (from €40pp) complete with regal dress and spa nail varnish - both available to take home. And in-room film fun is served up with A Night at the Movies (from €20pp) when their fave flick can be viewed on beanbags as they enjoy popcorn, snacks and soft drinks. 

 

A Games Room, Ritz-Kids Check-In, Children's Menu and babysitting services keep mums and dads as happy as their offspring. Free bicycle hire helps all the family explore the grounds. And all ages will relish a visit to Tara's Palace - a sumptuous history-steeped Doll's House displayed at Powerscourt House and surrounded by an equally fascinating collection of childhood memorabilia. The perfect way to round off your family-friendly stay at one of Ireland's best hotels. Find it signposted off the M11 south of County Dublin.