Excursion Woodland gardens of mount congreve tour at Waterford

Indulge your senses with the magnificent beauty of the woodland gardens of Mount Congreve during this exclusive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Dunmore East, Kilmeaden, Woodland Gardens of Mount Congreve

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive inland to the townland of Kilmeaden. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the woodland gardens of Mount Congreve, an 18th-century Georgian estate and mansion situated near the village of Kilmeaden in County Waterford, Ireland. The architect was John Roberts, a Waterford-based architect who subsequently designed and built most of the 18th-century public buildings in Waterford, including both cathedrals. The woodland gardens of 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.

About Mount Congreve Estate & Gardens

The gardens were created by Mr. Ambrose Congreve with the well-recognised assistance of Mr. Herman Dool, who came from Holland to work at Mount Congreve. Mr. Dool's achievements at Mount Congreve were recognised by the Dutch government, and he was awarded one of the highest honours possible in Holland, an extraordinary event. Situated at a sheltered bend along the Suir River, this magnificent estate covers over approximately 700 hundred acres (about 283 hectares), approximately 100 acres (about 40 hectares) 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.

Guided Walking Tour, Magnificent Gardens

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. The work started by Mr. Congreve continues to-date. The collection is still expanding steadily under the encyclopaedic knowledge of Curator Mr. Michael White (recipient of the Waley Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain) with new additions and our own programme of breeding to create new hybrids of rhododendrons and magnolias, among others. Enjoy a guided stroll through a portion of the many miles of these magnificent gardens, and indulge your senses with this magical piece of garden heaven. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Dunmore East, Kilmeaden, Woodland Gardens of Mount Congreve, Guided Walking Tour, Magnificent Gardens

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, an umbrella, and credit cards or local currency for purchases from the ship. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.