Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford re-opens for the year

Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford are set to swing open the gates, as it reopens for seven days a week, from 10am on Saturday, February 1.

Children can now also enjoy free access.

Membership sign-ups at the gardens soared to over four times the pre-redevelopment projections in 2024, according to Mount Congreve proprietors, and there are lots of new happenings on the way this year.

The new forest accommodation officially opens, with eco-cabins and their exclusive hot tubs now in situ and restorations near completion on the remaining gate lodges across the gardens.

Also to be unveiled this year is the restoration of the Georgian Glasshouse and some new exhibitions at the house later in the year.

There is also a new addition to the kitchen this year, as well-known Chef Jean-Baptiste (JB) Dubois joins the team as Head Chef, formerly of GIY’s GROW HQ Cafe.

Originally from Lunéville in northeast France, JB has a deep passion for sustainable, zero-waste cooking and has been living in Ireland for over 20 years, where he has fully embraced the rich culinary heritage and local ingredients of his adopted home.

CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens Sara Dolan said: “We are delighted to welcome JB to Mount Congreve and look forward to a new year showcasing and offering the very best of Mount Congreve to all of our visitors. 

"The vision for Mount Congreve Gardens was always to showcase the produce from the Walled Gardens and now, through JB’s talent and expertise in this area, this ambition will now come to fruition.” 

Carpets of snowdrops and crocuses currently sit around the feet of the great oaks at the bell gate lawn, while winter flowering plants such as Daphnes, Sarcococcas and Mahonias can be seen all around the house and down along the fragrant walk.

Early Camellia Sasanqua are already out in the upper woods and main path and will soon be followed by Magnolia blooms along the river walk, which tend to come before the magnolias on the Herman Dool walk.

The Rhododendrons are already coming out in the upper woods, and in a short few weeks, the entire garden will be a blaze of spring colours.