Powerscourt Waterfall, known in Irish as Eas Chonaill, lies at the base of the Glensoulan valley, a hanging valley, through which the River Dargle flows from its source on the southern slopes of Tonduff mountain, eventually falling into the steepcorrie in which the waterfall lies. Several mountains surround the upper section of the Glensoulan valley in a "horseshoe-shape", being: Maulin, Tonduff, War Hill, and Djouce. The waterfall is bounded by Crone Woods on its northern section.
Geology
regard the waterfalls an "important site for both the glacial feature and for the geological influence of the rocks themselves on the formation of the waterfall"; and describe the Powerscourt corrie, in which the waterfall sits, as "a fine example of glacial erosion, where accumulated ice has scoured out a deep basin, with a waterfall flowing down the steep backwall". The Powerscourt waterfall flows over Irish Ribband Groupschists, which sit in a metamorphic aureole of Leinster granite. The cleavage dips steeply outwards, paralleling the sides of the granite pluton, which forms the surface over which the water cascades; however, the GSI note the contact between schist and granite is some distance upstream of the waterfall. Both boulders of schist, and of granite, can be seen in the pools at the base of the waterfall.
Access
The waterfall is part of the Powerscourt Estate, who grant paid-access to the public through a separate visitor entrance during set times. At the base of the waterfall are visitor facilities, car parking, picnic and barbecue area, and various concessions. The waterfall can also be viewed from Ride Rock in Crone Woods, which also offers trails to the summit of Maulin. A 7-kilometre 3-hour hill-walking route known as the Maulin Circuit, takes in Crone Woods, Maulin and the Powerscourt waterfall.
Notable events
In history
In August 1821, during the visit of King George IV to Ireland, Richard Wingfield, 5th Viscount Powerscourt dammed the waterfall so he could release a torrent while the two stood on the bridge below the falls. For reasons unknown, the king did not leave the banquet at Powerscourt House to view the waterfall, which was fortunate as, when the water was finally released, the bridge was washed away.
