This winter, the iconic Mount Congreve Gardens invites guests to savour a moment of refined indulgence with its Festive Afternoon Tea, served every Saturday and Sunday throughout November and December, with sittings at 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm.

Hosted in the beautifully restored Afternoon Tea Room at Mount Congreve House, this is an invitation to experience the splendour of the season amidst the timeless beauty of one of Ireland’s great gardens, where artful presentation, exquisite flavours, and festive charm come together in perfect harmony.

At the heart of this exquisite offering is Maeve Walsh, Pastry Chef and JB Dubois Head Chef, curators of the Afternoon Tea experience at Mount Congreve Gardens. Maeve, who has recently joined the team, is a native of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Maeve brings an extraordinary depth of experience to her craft, having trained and worked with some of the most celebrated names in contemporary cuisine.

Her culinary journey began in Ireland with Chef Garreth Byrne at the Michelin-starred Campagne in Kilkenny, followed by a formative period under Chef Graham Neville at Residence 41 on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. In 2016, she was named Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year, an accolade judged by the esteemed Chef Nathan Outlaw, which led to a coveted stage — and later a position — at his two Michelin-starred restaurant in Port Isaac, Cornwall.

Maeve’s pursuit of excellence carried her to the kitchens of Chef Dan Barber’s Blue Hill in New York (three Michelin stars), and to Le Charlemagne in Beaune, France, where she refined her artistry in classical European technique. Her return to Ireland saw her work alongside Chef James Sheridan at Canteen in Celbridge and later take on a leadership role at Dublin’s celebrated Bread 41, before joining Mount Congreve to create a truly distinctive Afternoon Tea experience — elegant, seasonal, and deeply rooted in Irish provenance.

Maeve’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a sumptuous expression of winter’s finest flavours. Guests can delight in savoury creations such as Ballyhack Organic Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Caper Cream Cheese on Soda Bread, Roast Feighcullen Chicken with Wild Rocket and Stables Café Cranberry Sauce, and Lisduggan Farm Baked Ham with Knockanore Cheddar and Spiced Relish.

The sweet selection is an ode to the festive season, jewel-toned Berry Macaroons, a decadent Mulled Wine Infused Chocolate Tart, traditional Christmas Cake, spiced Mince Pies, and Orange Peel Scones served warm with fruit preserves. Each element is handcrafted with care and presented with a sense of occasion that is unmistakably Mount Congreve.

Guests may complete their experience with a choice of fine teas or freshly brewed coffee, or elevate the celebration with a seasonal warmer, a glass of house Mulled Wine or a Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Mount Congreve Gardens is an invitation to pause, to indulge, and to celebrate the season in style, a feast for the senses, created by one of Ireland’s most exciting pastry talents. Festive Afternoon Tea is priced at €45 per person, with a seasonal warmer available for an additional €10. Early booking is essential at www.mountcongreve.com