Located in the Waterford countryside, yet only 10 minutes from the city, the Mount Congreve Gardens are nothing short of a botanical paradise. From the charming Damson Gate Lodge to the spectacular 46-acre garden and the Stables Café, every part of Mount Congreve makes for the perfect escape, year-round. Here’s everything you need to know!
The Gate Lodge
We began our stay at Mount Congreve Gardens by arriving at our accommodation – the Damson lodge. Situated on the grounds of the estate, the Gate Lodge offers a secluded yet accessible stay surrounded by the gardens. This charming lodge combines modern comfort with timeless appeal – it’s fully furnished with a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and cosy sleeping quarters, making it an ideal choice for both short stays and extended visits. Every window opens up to a view of the landscape of the estate, so you can fully surround yourself with natural beauty.
During our stay, we found that the lodge was well heated and thoughtfully equipped with a manual containing everything you’d need to know for your stay. We also received a basket with fresh eggs, a loaf of bread and some snacks upon arrival, delicious wine included! Complimentary bikes were also provided, giving you the opportunity to cycle the Waterford Greenway, all at your leisure.
The lodge’s location means that guests can easily access Mount Congreve’s famed gardens and other amenities located at the estate, making it an exceptional choice for those looking for a high-quality nature getaway. The Gate Lodge was certainly a perfect base for exploring the estate, not to mention how fabulous it looked!
Additional Accommodation
In addition to the Gate Lodge, the estate has several other lodgings available on-site, like the Courtyard Suite, located in the West Wing of the house which has its own separate entrance through a shared courtyard. It is tastefully decorated to a high standard with a unique style all of its own.
In terms of lodges, you’ll be glad to know Damson lodge isn’t the only one! The Oak, Acorn and Rowan Gate Lodges are also available, with Damson and Rowan being dog-friendly.
In exciting news, jacuzzi lovers looking for a unique stay will soon be able to experience the ultimate eco-friendly retreat with Mount Congreve’s new handcrafted forest eco-cabins. Located within the woodlands, these cabins seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings while providing all the comforts and essentials for an unforgettable stay.
Each cabin has been named—Maple, Fern, Beech, Bramble, and Hawthorn—to reflect the unique character and charm they exude, so you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest, and reconnect with family and friends in a setting that feels like a true getaway from the modern world.
The Gardens
The Gardens were certainly the highlight of the estate, comprising of around seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. Planted on a slight incline overlooking the River Suir, Mount Congreve’s entire collection consists of thousands different trees, plants and shrubs.
Mount Congreve Gardens are internationally celebrated with more than 14,000 plant species, thoughtfully cultivated and meticulously maintained. Ray Sinnott, the Estate Director, told us all about the gardens and the effort it takes to preserve them not only now, but for the generations ahead.
The gardens have a gorgeous view overlooking the River Suir, which we caught glimpses of during our tour, peeking out from the dense woodland, and fell in love with the view – it feels like the estate stretches on for miles.
The gardens are, simply put – stunning. Intensively planted woodland and shrubbery makes for what feels like a lush escape into a manicured wild, and seeing autumn in full swing on the estate was an experience in itself. Walking through the gardens, visitors can appreciate the strategic planting and seasonal design that creates a constantly evolving landscape of colour and texture throughout the year.
Key highlights include the Chinese Pagoda, a quiet and elegant space featuring a pavilion that overlooks a spectacular arrangement of ferns and the Waterfall Walk, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of water streaming into a pond with the River Suir behind your back. Each area of the garden is designed to draw you further into the landscape, encouraging exploration and offering a fresh perspective on the natural world. Overall, it’s clear to see that Mount Congreve’s gardens are an exceptional achievement in horticulture, and gave us a sense of peace rarely found elsewhere. A must visit year-round
The Greenway
Mount Congreve Gardens are uniquely positioned as a gateway to the Waterford Greenway, an award-winning spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan, which makes for a beautiful journey from river to sea.
The Stables Café
After spending some time strolling the gardens, The Stables Café is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. The café is decorated beautifully, with botanical murals on pastel pink walls, with large circular windows looking out onto the estate. The Café serves a variety of wholesome and hearty dishes that are ideal for breakfast and lunch – we started our day off with some delicious French toast with fresh fruit, and ended with a full, creamy soup.
Their desserts were equally tasty, with my favourite being the cheesecake. The menu emphasises locally sourced ingredients, with ingredients coming from the garden itself, making it the ideal post-walk stop to fuel up for more exploration!
The café also features an on-site FOXFORD shop with a huge selection of unique items, perfect for finding gifts or bringing a piece of Mount Congreve’s charm home. The shop showcases a range of Irish-made goods, including FOXFORD woollen throws and homeware, alongside a range of quality items from other respected Irish brands from dining ware to skincare. With everything from hand-thrown ceramics to candles and home accessories, the shop is a popular stop for those looking to purchase high-quality, locally sourced items that reflect Irish craftsmanship and design. Can’t say it didn’t pull us in – there was plenty of choice.
Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea
Located in a restored tack room, Afternoon Tea at Mount Congreve is a luxury experience bringing together delicious treats in a beautiful setting. Surrounded by gardens, trees, birds and wildlife, their afternoon tea is served on three-tier cake stands with crisp white linen, Irish silverware, and fine bone china. Guests can choose from traditional, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus, ensuring a delightful experience for all. Cakes are freshly prepared on-site using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
This experience pairs perfectly with the Bridgerton experience in the Bishop’s Palace which is part of Waterford Treasures’ collections of museums, located in the centre of Waterford, where you can join a reenactor-led tour where the Housekeeper or Butler will guide you through the opulent surroundings while the Bishop is away. Prepare to be entranced by ornate gilt furniture and stunning architectural features as you dive into the real world of Bridgerton!
During the tour, you will discover the secrets hidden within the walls of the Bishop’s Palace, uncovering scandalous affairs, tantalising love stories, misbehaving rakes, scurrilous rumours, and even murder most foul. This special tour, filled with intrigue and elegance, runs daily at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, offering guests an unforgettable glimpse into the veneer of Georgian perfection.
Fans and guests are encouraged to don their finery for this elegant day out. Whether you prefer formal fashion, smart casual, or full Regency-inspired attire, bringing your attitude and costumes is highly encouraged!
Our Takeaway
The Mount Congreve Gardens are a true gem – from the comfort of the Damson Gate Lodge to the acres of gardens, this estate doesn’t just invite you to visit; it dares you to disconnect and enjoy its beauty and history. Add to that the huge amount of activities available – a meal at The Stables Café, Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea, shopping in FOXFORD, endless walks around the gardens or cycling the Greenway – you’ll quickly find that Mount Congreve is so much more than just a day out. It’s a destination that surprises, indulges, and charms, leaving every visitor, us included, wanting more!
