Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford
Mount Congreve Gardens is made up of a staggering 70 acres (28.3 hectares) of planted woodland garden and a four acre (1.6 hectares) walled garden. This exceptionally beautifully and carefully designed expanse is the brainchild of Mr. Ambrose Congreve. Drawing his inspiration from Lionel de Rothschild and his garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England Congreve set about nurturing his own passion for Rhododendrons, Magnolias and Camellias.
He began planting in his late tens, along with his father, but it was not until 1955 that he took the big leap and started making large clearings in the woodland in order to set up the requisite conditions for an environment in which plants would thrive. In the early 1960’s, with the help of garden director Herman Dool, Congreve masterful work began on what has been hailed by the Horticultural Society of Massachusetts as the “Greatest Garden of the World”.
During the spring and the early summer months, visitors to the gardens can see one of Congreve’s great philosophies at work. He maintains that whether you’re planting 5 or fifty plants that they should be planted together as opposed to scattered around a garden. During these months you will be treated to sweeps of Azaleas, Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendron, which will take your breath away. He also believes that every garden should have surprise and good vantage points so that the garden and the surrounding landscape could be viewed to compliment each other.
Once again you can see this genius at work in the garden’s stunning vistas, which overlook the bends in the neighboring River Suir. Among the surprised include a Chinese pagoda in the center of an old quarry that is spectacular when vied from a height, a classical temple surrounded by Rhododendron and an artificial waterfall, which cascades over natural rock in three pool edged with water margin plants.
There is only so much that can be described on Mount Congreve Garden in words. A visit is essential in order to fully appreciate the sheer beauty of this magical garden and the genius, which was behind it.
Location
Add to Custom Tour
Create your very own Ireland tour with our Tailor Made Tours section. Once you've created an account and logged in, you can add your favourite attractions, accommodation and activities. And, when you're happy with your choices, just send them on to one of our Ireland experts and we'll design a custom itinerary and quote tailored just for you.
Features In:
Luxury South Self-Drive Tour 6 Days
Treat yourself to the finest in Ireland's south.
Starting from $1,087 pps
Luxury South Chauffeur Drive Tour 6 Days
A luxurious getaway complete with private driver and guide.
Starting from $3,140 pps
Luxury South Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Stunning accommodation and your very own personal guide.
Starting from $4,524 pps
Luxury South Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Luxurious accommodation and the south's arresting scenery.
Starting from $1,500 pps
Best of All Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
The ultimate chauffeur drive tour - Ireland north and south.
Starting from $5,939 pps
Journey Through the West Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
Experience an unforgettable beauty.
Starting from $1,251 pps
Best of Ireland South Self-Drive Tour
Take in Ireland's south at your own pace.
Starting from $1,707 pps
Romantic Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Fall in love with the Emerald Isle and enjoy a whirlwind romance.
Starting from $910 pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur-Drive Tour 11 Days
Best of Ireland with driver/guide.
Starting from $4,236 pps
Journey Through the West Chauffeur Drive Tour 11 Days
Ireland's wonderful west.
Starting from $4,391 pps
Best of Ireland South Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
Traverse the south in style.
Starting from $5,971 pps
Best of Ireland South and West Self-Drive Tour 15 Days
Enjoy the best of the South-west
Starting from $1,742 pps
Best of All Ireland Self-Drive Tour 15 Days
Experience the best of Ireland north and south.
Starting from $1,723 pps
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
The very best of Ireland in just under two weeks.
Starting from $1,240 pps
Romantic Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Get swept away in the romance of Ireland with a touch of class.
Starting from $3,138 pps
