Nestled in the heart of County Waterford, Ireland, Mount Congreve Gardens is a world-renowned botanical paradise, spanning 70 acres of breathtaking landscapes. From wild meadows to enchanting woodlands, these gardens offer a spectacular display of seasonal beauty. This spring and summer, visitors can explore Mount Congreve Gardens in an entirely new way with two exclusive guided tour experiences: the Guided Walking Tour and the Guided Buggy Tour.
Guided Buggy Tours – A Relaxing Way to Explore
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the Guided Buggy Tour provides a comfortable and scenic 40-minute journey aboard an eight-seater golf buggy. Sit back and enjoy as an experienced driver leads you through a picturesque loop, showcasing the stunning Woodlands and the serene Herman Dool Walk. Perfect for those seeking accessibility and ease, this immersive tour offers an effortless way to appreciate the beauty of Mount Congreve Gardens. Buggy tours are available every Wednesday and Friday at 11 AM, with tickets starting from €16.50 per adult.
Step into History with the Guided Walking Tour
For a deeper connection to the estate’s rich heritage, the Guided Walking Tour is an unmissable experience. Offered every Thursday from March to October at 2 PM, this tour begins at Mount Congreve House, allowing visitors to enter the gardens just as the Congreve family once did. Led by an expert guide, you’ll wander through the captivating woodland gardens, the fragrant walk, and the walled gardens. Along the way, discover the fascinating history of the estate and gain insight into the rare and exotic plant collections that make this garden a true horticultural treasure. Each walking tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with tickets available from €19 per adult.
Throughout the Seasons, Mount Congreve Gardens is a botanical wonderland, it was designed to transform with each season, offering visitors an ever-changing tapestry of colors and fragrances.
Mount Congreve Gardens is designed to evolve with the seasons, offering an ever-changing spectacle of colours and fragrances. In spring the gardens burst into life with vibrant displays of Camelias, Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. A particularly breathtaking sight is a planting of over one hundred Rhododendron ‘Lady Alice Fitzwilliam’, whose fragrant blooms are a delight to both the eyes and senses.
From March to early April, ‘The Herman Dool Magnolia Walk’ is a must-see, overlooking the majestic River Suir. This path is adorned with over 200 Magnolias, many of which were carefully cultivated from seed in the 1960s.
As April unfolds, The Bluebell Walk comes to life, featuring rare and exotic tree ferns, including Cyathea dealbata, the silver shield fern, and Cyathea medullaris, with its striking black stems and oversized fronds. By early May, the emergence of seventy-five varieties of Astilbe sees their delicate blooms ranging in height from six inches to six feet. July welcomes a spectacular array of roses and Eucryphia, while late summer sees the arrival of rare Rhododendrons, including R. auriculatum, R. decorum subsp. diaprepes, R. hemsleyanum, and R. ‘Polar Bear’, each producing exquisite clusters of white flowers.
The. West lawn, a gently sloping open space winds through two magnificent red-flowering chestnut trees, bordered by fragrant Astilbes and Styrax that bloom in June. At its heart stands an impressive Cupressus cashmeriana.
A grass path on the Western border of the gardens stretching for hundreds of meters is lined with seventy wisteria columns, which create a spectacular floral display in May and June, complemented by companion plantings of Cistus, Hebe, Carpenteria, Grevillea, and Melaleuca.
The Walled Garden is divided into two distinct sections, each offering a horticultural feast for the senses. One section is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, featuring an exquisite collection of borders, including the May/June/July border, an Aster border, a Peony border adorned with climbing roses, Delphiniums, and Helianthemums, and a tranquil Water-Lily Pond encircled by Japanese Irises, Gunnera, Agapanthus, and Hedychiums.
The second section bursts into full bloom in August and September, showcasing a diverse selection of Magnolia grandiflora, Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana, Hydrangea aspera Villosa Group, and Buddleja varieties, underplanted with colorful herbaceous plants. Climbing the majestic walls are Wisteria, Lonicera, Pileostegia viburnoides, Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Trachelospermum jasminoides, and Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris.
Plan A Visit
With 70 acres of breathtaking gardens and 16 kilometers of walking trails, Mount Congreve Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and horticulturalists alike. Visitors can also enjoy delicious refreshments at The Stables Café and browse an exquisite selection of gifts at FOXFORD. Open daily from 9 AM, Mount Congreve Gardens invites you to experience the magic of one of the world’s great gardens. In addition, if you would like to extend your visit, an overnight stay at the luxury cabins or stunning Gatelodge or Courtyard Suite is also available, offering an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the ‘Keys to the Gardens’ providing after-hours access – imagine having the entire garden to yourself in the early morning mist or during a golden sunset.
For further details on accommodation stays, visiting and tour bookings, please visit www.mountcongreve.com.