As the location of filming for the new Disney film Disenchanted, the village of Enniskerry in Co Wicklow is becoming well known worldwide. The film will be a sequel to the smash hit Enchanted. It was a live action animation, that was filmed in 2007 and starred Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams. They will again be the stars of Disenchanted.
A team of carpenters, painters, florists and builders have transformed the Wicklow village into a Disney wonderland. All the shops, houses and various premises in the village have become a magical, flower-bedecked realm.
Draped in Flowers
It is pretty in a way that only Disney can do it; every building is draped in stunning floristry. The Powerscourt Arms, now the ‘Pigeon Post, drips with huge bunches of mauve Wisteria. Nasturtiums entwine the lampposts, climbing roses cover many of the buildings. The Market is shrouded in drooping purple bougainvillea flowers.
Shopfronts have been replaced by authentic olde worlde signs and given new names. The Village Store is now ‘Bibidi Bobidi Butchers’, the pharmacy is now ‘The Cauldron’ that sells Lotions, Notions and Potions. The Spar shop is now called ‘Painting Painting on the Wall’. Poppies café has a new name, ‘Mary Popovers’. The beauty salon is now ‘Beauty and the Book.’
Some new shops have appeared for the film including the House of Magical Potions. The Royal Sip, a tavern, is painted purple with stained glass windows. The pub is the Reluctant Dragon Tavern, Feé Marriane dress shop and the Le Chapeau Magique among them.
Outside the old schoolhouse, with the railings draped in yellow flowers, are massive pumpkins, magical of course. In the centre of the village, the historical monument has bunting flying from it and is covered in flowers.
The village square has a huge edifice draped in foliage and creepers. Obviously significant to the film. Everywhere around the village are props for the filming. There are huge velvet thrones, furniture from various periods, Chinese umbrellas and Ali Baba tents. Eastern sofas, and suits of armour, jostle with carved tables, antiques, filigree lamps and statues. The main job of the security team seems to be to watch over the melange of accumulated stuff. And they are kept busy guiding people away from the traffic as they rush to take photographs.
Filming will continue until the end of July and it will take a few weeks to restore the village to its usual self. The traders and cafes in the village are probably enjoying the extra business being a film set has brought to the village.
If you are going to visit Enniskerry only, it might be worth considering taking the bus, because it is very busy at weekends and there is little parking. Or make a day out of and visit some of the attractions and hotels in the Enniskerry area.
This would be an ideal time to get a copy of the Wicklow Passport, available from tourist offices and Village Store in Enniskerry. You can collect stamps of the places you visit around the county. Wicklow Passport
Things to do around Enniskerry
Powerscourt Distillery
The Powerscourt Distillery Tour and Whiskey Tasting Experience, will include a tour of the distillery and a tasting of samples of award winning Fercullen Irish Whiskeys. The single malt whiskey is distinctive for it use of aged bourbon barrels. You can take a tour and tasting by booking in advance on 01-506 5656, Eircode Eircode: A98 A9T7, or click here.
Agriculture Museum
The Coolakay Agriculture Museum is a representation of Irelands farming heritage. It shows the evolution of Irish farm like from the early 18th century up to the present day. On display at the museum is a collection of farm implements and machinery dating back to the early 1700’s which is of fascinating interest as the implements give a wonderful and accurate historical account of country life in Ireland.
Admission is – €6 per adult, €3 per child over 12, €5 senior citizen, Children under 12 free. Powerscourt Waterfall Road, Enniskerry. For more information or to arrange guided tour contact Robert Roe on 01-2862423 or 0862639960, click here.
Where to Stay around Enniskerry
Powerscourt Hotel
Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa is located in village Enniskerry. This 198-room retreat features the best amenities. This includes a 20-metre indoor pool, two championship-level golf courses, a luxury spa with 20 treatment rooms and more than 10k sq/ft of meeting and conference facilities.
Sika Restaurant. Associated as the house restaurant, has a relaxed atmosphere with views overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Summerhill House Hotel
Summerhill House Hotel is an ideal place to reconnect with family and friends and let the kids run free. You may lose track of time as you breathe in clean air, stride for miles through nature walks on your doorstep.
