DOLPHIN POND Alex This is the World Trees stop. We will tell you about the origins of our remarkable collection of trees. Anthony This is the Dolphin Pond. It was created to keep fish to feed the people who lived at Powerscourt. Alex Carp were kept here. It was called the green pond until a fountain was added with four bronze dolphins. GREAT TREES Alex Trees were always important at Powerscourt. Le Poer’s medieval castle watched over the ancient oaks of Glencree valley. Sarah Dorothy Rowley and her husband planted the magnificent Beech Avenue up to their new palace 260 years ago. Anthony I always get emotional when I arrive at the spectacular avenue. The trees are so vast and beautiful. Alex My personal hero is Mervyn the 7th Lord Powerscourt. For three decades he planted thousands of trees here every year. TREES OF THE WORLD Anthony In Victorian times plant collectors scoured the globe for weird and wonderful new trees and shrubs.They sent them back for planting on the great estates of Ireland and Britain. Alex Thanks to Mervyn we can explore the whole world in these woods.Our garden paradise has champion trees from all over Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia. Anthony So Alex with all this choice, do you have a favourite tree at Powerscourt? Alex Sure. My favourite is the weeping holly, right here, at the Dolphin Pond. Sarah In this wood, we have everything from a native Yew tree to a Tasmanian bluegum. Alex Yew trees can live for thousands of years. They are associated with ancient burial sites. Part of their poisonous leaves have been developed into effective anti-cancer drugs. Sarah The family action quest on the other side of the pond will send you on an interactive ‘Tree Hunt.’ Alex And the Rhododendron Walk will bring you on a colour filled tour of Asia during spring and early summer. Be sure to visit nearby Kilmacurragh Gardens which is famous for its spectacular Rhododenrons.