Public encouraged to view the tallest tree in Ireland amid other Waterford attractions

Visit Waterford is encouraging people to avail of the natural beauty of Waterford throughout the autumn and in particular to take advantage of the numerous gardens and walking trails dotted throughout the Déíse county.

They are also being encouraged to go along and view the tallest tree in Ireland – which is also located in Waterford; a county that’s home to around 14 gardens which incorporate over 2,000 acres of woodlands to enjoy “This is in addition to the vast walking trails in the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountain ranges, and woodland foothills, alongside 46km of Waterford’s majestic Greenway which are all open to the public to explore and enjoy,” a spokesperson for Visit Waterford told the Waterford News & Star.

Commenting on the changing colours of the autumn across the county, Estate Director at Mount Congreve Gardens, Ray Sinnott said: “Depending on where you live and of course the weather conditions the timing can change, but this is the typical season. This year we had so much rain, and the foliage is really beautiful, so getting out to enjoy the fruits of autumn is highly recommended this year.” “The vivid leaf colours were actually hidden underneath the green all along and as sunlight decreases and cold increases, tree growth slows, and the production of green chlorophyll in their leaves begins to slow, revealing fall leaves’ brilliant yellow, orange, and red,” he said.

The tallest tree in Ireland is located in Lord Waterford's Estate at Curraghamore, which is also the venue for the annual All Together Now.

The tree, a Sitka Spruce, stands at 49 metres (or 160 feet tall) and has a circumference of 6.5 metres.

“The gardens at Curraghmore Estate are a joy to explore, offering an impressive 1,000 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields and Ireland's largest private demesne,” said the Visit Waterford spokesperson.

“It spans 800 years of Irish History and you can also enjoy the rich details of the home of the Marquis of Waterford on a guided house tour,” she added.

She also pointed out that at nearby Mount Congreve Gardens, located just 10 minutes from Waterford City on the Waterford Greenway, there are 70 acres of woodland gardens along with 16 kilometres of walking trails and a ‘buggy tour’ option.

She also highlighted the fact that Tramore town is the location for the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens.

The Waterford Greenway heads towards the west of the county from the city and from where it ends in Dungarvan the historic town of Lismore is a short drive away.

Lismore Castle Gardens are the oldest cultivated gardens in Ireland and the entrance is gained through The Reilig garden which is so called because there is a medieval graveyard in this area.

Some of the walls around the garden date back to the 13th Century and the Upper Garden, a 17th-century walled garden was constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork.

The Blackwater Valley includes the beautiful Dromana House and Gardens, Cappoquin House and Gardens, Salterbridge House and Gardens and Tourin House and Gardens to name but a few.

The spokesperson said the Blackwater Eco Pods, located in Villierstown in the mountain foothills of the Blackwater Valley, while Ardmore glamping offers luxurious log cabins with stunning sea views “If a heritage stay is more of your ‘cup of tea’ then the ‘Bridgerton’ Autumn break at Faithlegg House Hotel is certainly for you,” said the spokesperson “Enjoy a stay at the vibrant and colourful 19th-century manor house set in beautiful woodland,” she added.

“Faithlegg has also partnered with the Bishop’s Palace to offer guests a complimentary visit to the ‘Treasures Bridgerton’ tour.”