Luxury Glamping opens at Mount Congreve's ‘Forest Hotel’

A brand new glamping experience has opened at Waterford's beautiful Mount Congreve Gardens. New bell tents have been placed in the garden meadow as the latest quirky accommodation option at the 'Forest Hotel'.

This comes as Waterford City and County Council have announced a €750,000 loan to Mount Congreve to support it in developing and sustaining the property amid “significant financial challenges, due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers, owing mainly to the relatively poor weather this summer, and higher than forecasted operating costs” according to a statement from the council.

“The charming 100% cotton bell tents are set in a peaceful meadow with direct access to the Waterford Greenway and complimentary entry to Mount Congreve Gardens. Inside guests can enjoy a cosy double bed with Foxford throws and a wood-burning stove and they will wake up to birdsong,” according to a spokesperson for the resort.

The new glamping experience will offer visitors a “truly unplugged experience” the spokesperson added.

“The off-grid retreat offers rechargeable lanterns, crank torches, and solar-powered lighting. A cooler is provided to keep food fresh, and a wood-burning stove for heating and cooking. There is no electricity or running water ensuring a truly unplugged experience.” The Mount Congreve Gardens has a number of alternative accommodation options, including ‘The Courtyard Suite’, the newly restored Gate Lodge as well as its glamping options. Excluding Whitfield Court Lodge, all of the estate’s visitor options are located within the 70 acres of gardens boasted by the 18th-century Georgian Mansion.

Mount Congreve House was built in 1760 by John Congreve, the former High Sheriff of County Waterford. In 2011, upon the death of Ambrose Christian Congreve, the estate was left in trust to the Irish State. The contents of the house were then auctioned before the big house was opened to the public as a tourist accommodation destination.

A taste of the great house’s history can be found while staying in the Courtyard Suite, located in the West Wing of Mount Congreve House.

“Mount Congreve House is steeped in history and exudes old-world grandeur,” the estate said, “The exquisite Courtyard Suite has a separate entrance through the shared house courtyard. It featured stunning original architectural features including vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. It has been tastefully decorated to a high standard with a unique style all of its own, while at the same time nodding to the era of the property.” 

“A cooked-to-order breakfast in the award-winning Stables Café by the Pantry at CLIFF is included for each stay, also included in each stay is access to the magnificent 70 acres of Mount Congreve Gardens which will undoubtedly be a highlight of each stay.” 

Mount Congreve has recently restored the Whitfield Court Lodge which has been added to their accommodation list and in early 2025, the estate will also open “five brand new Forest Eco-Cabins”. The estate promises them to be “handcrafted to the highest quality” with a “shingled wood exterior ensuring that these beautifully curved roof cabins will blend into their natural forest surroundings with ease.” 

Additional remodeling works are also in store, another three gate lodges ‘Rowan’, ‘Oak’ and ‘Acorn’ will also be restored and opened to the public promising an “ultra-luxe era perfect interior”.