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Powerscourt Shopping Centre are offering an excellent tour.

The Powerscourt tour demonstrates what it is like living in the Eighteenth century. The tour details how the Wingfield family owned Powerscourt Townhouse and that the house was used for parties and entertaining. Lord Powerscourt (Richard Wingfield) was an M.P. and would come from his main house in Enniskerry to entertain at Powerscourt.

The tour begins in what was the original kitchen of the Wingfield family home. The trendy wine bar, Ba Mizu currently replaces the eighteenth century kitchen but the original fireplace can still be seen. Similarly as the tour progresses traces of the Wingfield family are everpresent.

The tour also reveals how the modern day shopping centre compliments the eighteenth century townhouse. Lady Powerscourt's Dressing Rooms have appropriately become the hairdressers,  Pzazz. The exquisite plasterwork still remains on the ceilings and walls of all the rooms.

The original mahogany staircase and tiling is still intact. The Drawing room which was used for supper and card playing is now the beautiful TownBride retail outlet.The Ballroom which would have had many paintings adorning the walls has become the Solomon Gallery.

The tour also shows the new part of Powerscourt Centre which was built after the demise of the Wingfield family. The blend and harmony of old and new side by side is an important tenet of the tour. By the end, you are guided back to the 21st century and shown around the Design Centre.

Tours can be organised by contacting the Centre Manager, Mary Larkin, on +353 1 6717000.

For more information on the Powercourt centre, visit www.powerscourtcentre.com.