Excursion A visit to mount congreve tour at Waterford

Depart the pier and travel inland to the townland of Kilmeaden. Here you will visit the woodland gardens of Mount Congreve. Mount Congreve is an 18th-century Georgian estate and mansion. John Roberts the Waterford-based architect who designed the property designed and built most of the 18th-century public buildings in Waterford, including both cathedrals.

The Woodland gardens at Mount Congreve were founded on the inspiration, generosity and encouragement of Mr. Lionel N. de Rothschild. He became arguably, the greatest landscaper of the 20th Century and one of the cleverest hybridists.

The gardens were created by Mr. Ambrose Congreve with the well recognized assistance of Mr. Herman Dool who came from Holland to work at Mount Congreve. Mr. Dool's achievements at Mount Congreve were recognized by the Dutch government and he was awarded one of the highest honours possible in Holland.

Situated at a sheltered bend along the river Suir, this magnificent estate covers over seven hundred acres, approximately 100 of which comprise the most fantastic gardens imaginable. Expertly designed and tended by these two gentlemen for over 60 years, this garden not only has a remarkable collection of rare and unusual plants and trees, but the landscape is one of the very few that has been designed for an estate of this scale. Mr. Dool has never put in less than 25 plants of a variety because, he believes, the mass planting makes the proper statement when the garden matures. And so it has!

The work started by Mr. Congreve continues up to the present. The collection is still expanding steadily under the encyclopedic knowledge of Curator Mr. Michael White (Waley Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain) with new additions and new programmes of breeding to create new hybrids of Rhododendrons and Magnolias among others.

Enjoy a stroll through these magnificent gardens and absorb this magical piece of garden heaven.

Rejoin your motor coach and guide for your return drive to Waterford and your awaiting ship

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a light sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Walking in the gardens is at the discretion of each guest.