Here at WeddingDates, we are constantly on the scout for romantic locations for honeymoons and proposals. Often we love to look at dream destinations but can forget that the perfect destination could be right under our noses. For all the UK brides out there, it’s really just a skip and hop away too. Powerscourt is one of those hidden gems that has so much to offer. Perfect for May/June weather (when the real summer starts in Ireland), we caught up last week for a lovely chat with Emma and Lisa from the Ritz Carlton who gave us a lovely insight into Powerscourt. Here’s part two…
Powerscourt has a beautiful history, tell us a little about it…
Powerscourt is steeped in history and it dates back to the 1300’s when the le Poer (Power) family built a castle here, thus the name Powerscourt. The castle has had many different powerful families living there such the O’Tooles and the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.
In the 18th Century the castle and grounds were completely remodeled by a famous German born architect who was commissioned to do so by the 3rd Viscount, Richard Wingfield.
The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt hotel itself was built in a Palladian manner and is shaped like a half moon so that the breathtaking views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain are taken full advantage of. Likewise the design of the Powerscourt estate reflects the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider landscape, creating a spectacular and panoramic sight at every turn.
A little birdie mentioned you have had some very interesting wedding proposals at Powerscourt! Please share some stories with us!
A guest had called our hotel previous to his stay with us; he explained that he had a very special gift to be placed in the room along with some champagne and chocolates.
This very special gift was in fact an engagement ring and the guest was planning on proposing to his girlfriend that very evening.
Upon hearing this, our Front Office Team wanted to do something really special for the occasion so along with the In-Room Dining Assistant Manager and the Housekeeping team they began to create a plan.
The Ladies found out that the female guest loved chocolate so they decided to incorporate this theme into the proposal. They organised candles, rose petals and a chocolate cylindrical dessert that could hold the ring inside. A balloon was also brought up with the date of the marriage proposal written on it.
If this wasn’t enough the ladies decided to create a question mark made of rose petals on the bedroom floor and a chocolate question mark symbol also in front of the ring, our already luxurious suite was completely transformed!
As you can imagine this was a great surprise for both the guests.
And yes….the guest’s fiancée said yes!
Powerscourt has so many amazing spots to enjoy, tell us, what would you recommend to a groom looking for somewhere romantic to propose?
Here at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt we are very lucky to have access to one of Ireland’s most charming and secluded spots. The River Walk is an exclusive, secret space and it’s possibly the most perfect place to propose.
The hotel can organise bicycles or a golf buggy for the happy couples to travel to the walk and a delicious, gourmet picnic can be arranged also, the ideal place to store an engagement ring!
When the couple get to the walk there are so many secret woodland trails that can be deviated down, the proposal is sure to be breathtakingly flawless!
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