Ireland’s highest waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall cascades down 398 feet into a stunning glaciated valley covered in beech, oak, larch, and even giant redwoods. This area of outstanding natural beauty could have also been the scene of outstanding drunken stupidity! In August 1821, during the visit of King George IV to the Powerscourt Estate, Richard Wingfield, 5th Viscount Powerscourt attempted to try and impress him with his waterfall. Wingfield ordered that a dam be built at the top of the waterfall that could be released to increase the flow of water. When the time came King George could not attend as he was apparently so drunk after the banquet in Powerscourt House. When the waters were finally released, the torrent flowed with such force that the viewing platform was washed away and would have drowned both of them! Who said drinking was bad for you?