Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre Review

One of the finest 18th-century mansions in Dublin, the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre has a little something for everyone—magnificent architecture, quality shopping, and an Irish dancing museum and show. Designed by Robert Mack in 1771, it's a massive edifice that towers over the little street it sits on (note the top story, framed by large volutes, which was intended as an observatory). Inside, there are rococo salons designed by James McCullagh, splendid examples of plasterwork in the Adamesque style, and a shopping atrium filled with high-quality Irish crafts shops, installed in and around the covered courtyard. The mall exit leads to St. Teresa's Carmelite Church and Johnson's Court. Beside the church, a pedestrian lane leads onto Grafton Street.

The Story of Irish Dance (jig.ie) is a combination museum and performance space dedicated to traditional Irish dance. The small museum houses old dancing costumes and a multimedia exhibition of the history of dance in Dublin. Jig is a 90-minute virtuoso dance performance held at 1 and 6 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Hop Up is a combination performance and dance lesson where you can join in. It lasts one hour and takes place Tuesday to Sunday at 3 pm. You can even get one-on-one dance classes. Check the website for details.