Mount Congreve Forest Hotel

• Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Part of a 18th century estate in County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens are home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world.

One of the Great Gardens of the World, their 70 enchanting acres are gently elevated over the River Suir: a heady, glorious mix of thousands of diverse trees, flowers and shrubs, with a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of beautiful walkways to explore.

Ambrose Congreve, the last of six generations to reside on the estate, won a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to horticulture, while the gardens themselves have won 13 gold medals at the Chelsea Garden Show. Certainly, with scenery and accolades like these it’s hard to imagine a lovelier escape from everyday life!

Here, idyllic retreats come in the form of hand-crafted cabins for couples and families, with off-grid bell tents and historic lodges to satisfy every holiday taste.

Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding woodland, the hand-crafted eco-cabins sleep either two adults or a family of four in blissful comfort. Full self-contained facilities include a kitchenette and a bathroom – robes and slippers included – and a private hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation.

Damson Gate Lodge is a charming, dog-friendly cottage that was originally built in 1775. Sleeping up to four guests in two double bedrooms, the newly-renovated space is exquisitely styled and furnished with antique beds and marble kitchen counter tops – with wing-back velvet armchairs and a 19th century walnut French day bed in the lounge. Modern luxuries, meanwhile, include a bio-ethanol stove and a 32-inch HDTV with Netflix.

You’ll also have the option of bedding down in a 100% cotton Bell Tent, in an off-grid stay that’s refreshingly free of digital distractions. Nestled in peaceful meadow, each tent features a cosy double bed dressed in fine Foxford throws, with soft-glowing lanterns and a wood-burning stove to warm your evenings. Shared bathroom facilities are a two-minute walk away.

At a glance

• An eclectic collection of accommodation, secluded on an 18th century estate and one of the Great Gardens of the World, in County Waterford, Ireland.
• Retreats include:
  • Hand-crafted eco cabins with private hot tubs (2 or 4 guests)
  • Damson Gate Lodge (4 guests, dog-friendly)
  • Off-grid bell tents (2 guests per tent, shared bathroom facilities)
• There is a café on site, and complimentary bikes are available for exploring the area.
• Cycle the Waterford Greenway or explore the extensive garden trails. The estate is perfectly placed for visiting the local towns and beaches.

Features

• Adults Only
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Off-Grid

More information

Other accommodation includes a romantic Courtyard Suite formed from the west wing of the master-architect-designed estate mansion, and Whitfield Lodge, a historic, lovingly-restored gate lodge.

There’s plenty to absorb your time on the estate, including meals enjoyed at the award-winning Stables Café. Breakfasts are cooked to order from mouth-watering local produce that includes freshly-laid eggs and Mount Congreve estate honey – a treat not to be missed! Or savour a traditional, elegantly refined afternoon tea, served in the beautifully-restored Tack Room with magnificent garden surroundings.

Explore the estate’s endless garden trails – to which you’ll have full ‘after hours’ access – or grab a complimentary bike and whizz along the Waterford Greenway, for an exhilarating experience that forms part of the iconic Atlantic Coast cycle route.

And although it will feel as though you’ve escaped civilisation altogether, Mount Congreve is perfectly located for you to venture out to Waterford’s finest beaches and historic towns, for a break steeped in opulent memories.

Things to note

Please see the property website to view all accommodation options available. Guests have complimentary after-hours access to the public gardens. Up to two dogs are welcome to stay at Damson Gate Lodge. On-site parking is available. Accommodation may not be suited to guests with additional mobility needs, please contact the property owner directly to enquire.