Mount Congreve Memberships

Join us in The Garden

Mount Congreve Membership key information

  • €70 for 1 Adult Loyalty Pass
  • €100 for a Family Loyalty Pass (2 adults & 2 children age 4 to 15)
  • Under 4: Free

Families and Individuals can purchase their Membership Pass now. Members can enjoy visiting the Gardens as many times per year as is desired during normal opening hours. Meander through 70 acres of stunning woodland gardens along 16km of winding pathways, explore the 4 acre walled garden, discover hidden follies and have fun in the children’s play areas.

Membership & benefits of joining

Become a member

By purchasing a membership for Mount Congreve Gardens, you are offering yourself or your recipient a one of a kind gift that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Your membership will also help to ensure the future of Mount Congreve Gardens for generations to enjoy as all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the gardens.

Seasonal Highlights

SPRING

From the soft white-pinks of the one-kilometre mature Magnolia Tree walkway to the deep pink-reds of the Camellias and Rhododendrons.

SUMMER

From an unbroken sea of strawberry-cream-coloured Astilbes and Peony Roses to the rainbow shades of the Herbaceous Borders in the walled August Garden.

AUTUMN

From the deep bronze tones of the Maple Lawn to the fallen Beech Tree nuts, gathered by Ireland’s native and rare red squirrel.

WINTER

From the artfully knotted branches of the Wisteria trees to the powerfully scented, delicate and rare Daphne Jacqueline Postill.

Join us in the Garden

FAQ

HOW DO I VISIT MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS & CAN I BUY TICKETS WHEN I ARRIVE?

To avoid disappointment, we recommend that tickets for Mount Congreve Gardens be booked online in advance of your visit. This includes general garden visit tickets and event tickets. These can be purchased here or from the ticket desk in the Secret Garden shop. A discount applies to online General Admission tickets.


DO MEMBERS NEED TO PRE-BOOK?

If you are a member, you do not need to book in advance. You do however need to present your card upon arrival. You may be asked to show proof of identity.


WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING HOURS?

Please view most up-to-date information here.

Please note access to the gardens closes one hour before the estate closing time.


CAN I BRING MY PET?

We are all big animal lovers at Mount Congreve and dog owners will love our new pet-friendly Wetlands Walk located at the entrance to Mount Congreve but unfortunately, due to the biodiversity of the estate, the only pets allowed into the main gardens are registered guide dogs. The Stables Café is dog-friendly provided that owners obey the rules.

Discover More here


ARE THE PATHS WHEELCHAIR AND BUGGY FRIENDLY?

The main pathway through the gardens is wheelchair and buggy friendly, it is however on an incline with loose stone surfaces in many places.


DO YOU HAVE A CAFÉ?

Yes, the Stables Café by The Pantry at CLIFF offers a wide selection of seasonal salads, soups, warming dishes, tasty desserts and pastries. See full details here


CAN WE BRING A PICNIC?

We do not permit foods that have not been purchased on-site to be consumed within the grounds. The Stables Café offers a wide selection of light bites and snacks to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.


DO YOU SELL PLANTS?

Yes, we sell a variety of beautiful potted plants. We also sell an in-season variety of fruits and vegetables from our gardens. We do not sell cut flowers.



ARE YOUR TOILET FACILITIES OPEN?

Yes, the bathrooms are located in the main visitor, where we also have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Please note there are no public toilets in Mount Congreve House.


DO YOU HAVE BABY-CHANGING FACILITIES?

Yes, these are located in the Stables Café.


WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Mount Congreve Gardens are located 10 minutes from Waterford City on the Old Kilmeaden Road. Our Eircode is X91 PX05.

Google maps link here


CAN I USE MY OPW HERITAGE PASS TO VISIT MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS?

Upon the death of Mr. Congreve, the house and gardens were bequeathed to the state and are held in Trust. Mount Congreve Gardens is not an OPW site and we do not accept OPW Heritage Cards.


HOW DO I BOOK A GROUP?

Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. All group visits or tours must be pre-booked through our office. Please email [email protected]


I WOULD LIKE TO BOOK AFTERNOON TEA?

Afternoon Tea by The Pantry at CLIFF at Mount Congreve Gardens is not to be missed.

For more information and to book follow this link


CAN I VISIT MOUNT CONGREVE HOUSE?

Mount Congreve House is the new entry point to visit the gardens. Pre-book online or become a Mount Congreve Member for the best value www.mountcongreve.com 

WHAT TO EXPECT?

You will enter Mount Congreve House by the main entrance as the Congreve family once did.

You will be welcomed at the reception desk and can scan your pre-booked ticket or membership card or purchase a ticket to visit the gardens.

You will be guided into the audio-visual room where you can watch a 5-minute short film which speaks to Mr Congreve and his inspiration to build one of the Great Gardens of the World.

Visitors can then continue to the interpretation room. This room holds a model of Mount Congreve Estate and two flipbooks. One flipbook documents the plant collection and the other the history of the Congreve family. At this point, guests can then exit to visit the gardens.

 


CAN I STAY AT MOUNT CONGREVE?

The first of three Gate Lodges at Mount Congreve has been renovated. To find out more and book your stay visit www.mountcongreve.com/gate-lodge/


CAN I BOOK THE HOUSE TOUR?

Guests who wish to visit the gardens can now do so as the Congreve family once did, and enter through Mount Congreve House. Garden admission tickets can be purchased online or on the day.

Visitors will receive a warm welcome from the visitor experience team and be guided into the two new interpretative spaces and then exit to the gardens via the North Terrace. 

While guests can enjoy the new interpretative spaces, there is no designated house tour.


DO YOU HAVE A PLAYGROUND?

Our new eco-friendly playground is a natural haven for children to enjoy nature. It offers all of the ingredients for fun active play for children of all ages and abilities. With basket swings, hammock swings, a climbing tower with an adventure tunnel slide, a balance walk, a seesaw and a boat sitting amongst a sand area and more. Other play features in the new playground also offer opportunities for creative, sensory and imaginative play.
Prebook your garden admission online or for the best value we strongly recommend purchasing our family membership. Discover full details here https://www.mountcongrevebookings.com/Home
We would highly recommend bringing a stroller or buggy for little legs as the playground is located in the woodlands and can be a long walk for little legs.


CAN I VISIT THE CAFÉ AND SHOP WITHOUT VISITING THE GARDENS?

Yes, visitors can visit the Stables Café and Secret Garden shop without visiting the gardens.


CAN I VIEW THE GARDEN MAP?

Please find a pdf of the most recent Mount Congreve Gardens map VIEW HERE


CAN I PURCHASE GIFT CARDS/VOUCHERS?

Yes, you can purchase Gift Vouchers online or Gift Cards from the Secret Garden Gift shop.


Terms & conditions

Please spare a moment to read this, we’ve kept it as brief as we can. These terms and conditions cover the sale of Mount Congreve Gardens Membership. By purchasing a membership, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. For the enjoyment of all of our visitors:
  1. The Membership is valid from the date you purchase for 12 months; unused visits cannot be carried over. Please note we are only open on selected dates in January.
  2. Don’t forget you’ll need to bring your Membership card with you when you visit otherwise the full admission price will apply and you will not be able to avail of discounts on food and beverage or retail. Membership cards are not transferable and photo ID will be requested as proof of ownership. If you are buying as a gift, please use the recipient’s name (not your own) when purchasing.
  3. A Family Membership admits up to 2 adults and 3 children under 16 only (and under 4’s go free) – any additional persons will be charged full rate less 10% discount.
  4. Members are welcome in the Gardens during normal business hours. Please refer to the website for opening times and you do not need to book in advance.
  5. If purchased online you will be issued a Membership Card upon your first visit to the gardens. Proof of purchase will be requested. Should you wish for your card to be posted to a physical address a charge of €5.00 will apply for postage and packing.
  6. Lost cards will be replaced at a fee of €10.00. It is therefore important to keep it safe.
Colors and scents. All year round.

A year in bloom