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Forest Cabin Families

Stories shared, memories made

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Where Childhood Comes Alive

There is something magical about watching children discover the world without a screen in sight.

Following butterflies through woodland paths.

Building dens from fallen branches.

Finding secret corners, giant trees and hidden follies.

Coming home with muddy boots, rosy cheeks and stories that grow a little bigger every time they’re told.

At Mount Congreve Gardens, we’ve created a place where families can rediscover the simple joy of spending time together. Hidden amongst the trees of one of the Great Gardens of the World, our handcrafted Forest Cabins invite you to slow down, explore more and make memories that won’t disappear with the next swipe of a screen.

Your Woodland Home

Thoughtfully designed for families of four, our Maple, Fern and Beech Forest Cabins combine contemporary comfort with the beauty of the outdoors.

Family: 2 adults, 2 children (U16yr), 2 bedrooms, 1 double & 1 bunk bed, 1 bathroom

Private Hot Tub

Adult Bikes

Stay Close to Nature

Make Memories

An Estate Waiting to Be Explored

Your stay includes complimentary admission to Mount Congreve Gardens – 70 acres of extraordinary beauty where every path leads to a new discovery.

Discover hidden follies.

Watch dragonflies skim across lily ponds.

Spot red squirrels, birds and butterflies.

Find your family’s favourite tree.

There’s no itinerary. No queues. No rush.

Just space to explore at your own pace.

And when the gates close to day visitors, the experience becomes even more special. As an overnight guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the gardens, when the evening light settles across the estate and the only sounds are birdsong, rustling leaves and laughter echoing through the trees.

With space for 2 adults and 2 children under 16, our cabins provide everything you need for a relaxing and fun-filled stay:

Relaxing hot tub for adults
Double bed and bunk bed, perfect for families
Cosy interiors that blend into the natural surroundings
Kitchenette with mini-fridge
Complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected
Family-friendly amenities like blankets and fresh milk
Complimentary bicycles to explore the outdoors
Woodland Playground

Exclusive Perks:
Complimentary and unprecedented ‘after-hours’ access to the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens

Adventure Beyond the Gardens

Step directly onto the Waterford Greenway, one of Ireland’s most scenic walking and cycling routes, with complimentary adult bicycles included during your stay. Bring bicycles for younger riders and spend the day discovering rivers, viaducts and breathtaking countryside before returning to the comfort of your cabin.

Or simply stay close to home.

The woodland playground.

A family meal in the Stables Café.

An afternoon with nowhere to be except together.

Sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones.

Evenings to Remember

As daylight fades, retreat to your private deck.

The children drift off after a day filled with adventure.

Parents sink into the warmth of the hot tub beneath a canopy of stars.

Tomorrow can wait.

The Family Holidays You’ll Remember Forever

Years from now, your children probably won’t remember the Wi-Fi password.

They’ll remember racing through the gardens.

Finding secret places.

Sleeping in bunk beds.

Watching the stars from the deck.

And asking, before you’ve even packed the car…

“When can we come back?”

Book your family forest escape and discover a place where childhood still feels wonderfully wild.

Don’t talk our word for it..Check out these recent Family Stays.

Aoife Bermingham –view here

Keelin Moncrieff – view here

As Seen in The Irish Times
Holiday Like a Hobbit

As Seen in Irish Indendepent
Forest hotel to transform Mount Congreve Gardens into top eco-destination

As Seen in Irish Indendepent

Ireland’s forest hotels

What this place offers

Complimentary Adult Bikes
Hot tub
Bath Robes
Welcome Hamper

Accessibility features

Guest entrance and parking
There is a disabled parking spot or a parking space at least 2.4m

These accommodations may not be suitable for those with mobility needs

How to Book

We welcome bookings through the following channels:

Online:
Book directly via our website for the best experience and access to exclusive perks

Email:
(monitored daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Sunday)

Phone: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

Minimum Stays
We encourage guests to slow down and fully enjoy the estate.

Forest Cabins:
Two-night stays can be booked for the following windows:

Tuesday – Thursday, Friday – Sunday or Saturday – Monday

Three-night stays apply for some bank holiday weekends:

Friday–Monday

Gate Lodges
Two-night minimum stay

Courtyard Suite
Two-night minimum stay (Friday and Saturday nights)

Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.

At checkout, guests have the option to:

Pay in full in one transaction, or
Select the Klarna payment option, allowing for three staged payments while still securing the booking

Cancellation Policy
More than 14 days before arrival: Full refund
14 days or fewer before arrival: 100% charge applies
No-show or early departure: 100% charge applies
Promotional rates: Non-refundable
Our cancellation policy is strictly enforced. We strongly recommend guests take out travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes.

Due to the nature of the Gate Lodges’ location, some noise from the neighbouring road may be heard during your stay. By making a reservation, guests acknowledge and accept that road noise may be experienced.

Why Book Direct

We always recommend booking directly with us to ensure the best service and added value.

Direct bookings include:

Complimentary use of adult bikes
Opportunity to feed the ducks at the Garden House

Please note these benefits are not available when booking through third-party platforms.

FAQ

What time is check-in?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What are the check-in options at Mount Congreve Gardens?

A member of the team will be available to welcome you between 3:00pm – 5:00pm. While we strongly advise you to arrive during these hours for the best possible check-in experience, we understand the best-laid plans can go awry. If you know that you will be arriving late, please kindly inform us in advance so that we can provide you with the self-check-in instructions.

What amenities are included in the eco-cabins?

Electricity & Heating: Electric heating with FOXFORD duvets and throws for comfort.
Kitchenette: Equipped with cookware, enamel tableware, a kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine, microwave, two-burner hot plate, and mini fridge with a small icebox. A communal charcoal BBQ area is also available.
Plumbing: Modern showers, toilets, and washing-up facilities. Towels and toiletries are provided.
Welcome Hamper: Includes milk, bread, eggs, butter, tea, coffee (10 capsules), sugar, salt, pepper, washing-up liquid, cleaning materials, and toilet paper.

What should I know about the area around the cabins?
The ground around the cabins is settling after recent work and will transform into a wildflower meadow. Thank you for your patience during this transition!

Do the Forest Eco-Cabins come with hot tubs?

Yes, each of the Forest Eco-Cabins at Mount Congreve Gardens—Bramble, Maple, Beech, Fern, and Hawthorn—comes with its own private hot tub. Guests can enjoy a relaxing soak while surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens. Robes and slippers are provided. A member of the team will attend to you hot tub during your stay to prepare it for your ultimate relaxation!

Note: Under 16 years are not permitted in hot-tubs.

What dining options are available during my stay?

1. What are the dining options available for residents?

Residents have access to:
- Stables Café – Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last orders at 4:30 PM).
- Breakfast – Served in the Stables Café from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. View Breakfast Menu here
- Takeaway Supper Menu – Available for pre-order by 3:00 PM, with collection by 4:45 PM. View the Residents Menu here.
2. What type of food is served at the Stables Café?

The Stables Café offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, and snack options, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy hot dishes, baked goods, and beverages throughout the day.

3. Are there meal options for children?

Yes, the Stables Café provides child-friendly meal options, including:
- Breakfast options such as pancakes, scrambled eggs, and porridge.
- Lunch and supper choices like sandwiches, pasta, and kid-sized portions of main meals.
- Healthy snacks and drinks suitable for younger guests.
4. Is there a takeaway option for evening meals?

Yes, a Takeaway Supper Menu is available, including child-friendly meals. Orders must be placed by 3:00 PM, and meals can be collected by 4:45 PM.

5. Can I pre-book a table at the Stables Café?

The Stables Café operates on a walk-in basis, so reservations are not required.

6. Are dietary requirements catered for?

Yes, the café offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Please inform the staff of any dietary needs when ordering.

7. Is room service available for residents?

At this time, room service is not available, but residents are welcome to order from the Takeaway Supper Menu and collect their meals by 4:45 PM.

8. Where can I find the Residents Menu?

The Residents Menu, including family options, can be viewed here.

Visitor Centre Highlights

Stables Café: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or takeaways. Evening meals can be pre-ordered.
FOXFORD Store: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with nature-inspired gifts and Irish homeware.
Welcome Desk: Located in Mount Congreve House, open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for queries and garden access during public hours.

What should I bring for my stay?

Waterproof shoes or boots for exploring.
Warm, layered clothing for variable weather.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Eco-friendly toiletries (if preferred).
Books, games, or personal devices for downtime (cabins have radios but no TVs; connectivity supports streaming).

Are there any guidelines for staying in the forest cabins?

Respect the gardens, wildlife, and other guests.
Enter formal gardens only during daylight with provided lanyards.
Keep noise low from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Use only the provided fuel for fire pits and BBQs.
Supervise children at all times.
Stargazing and storytelling are encouraged!

Are pets allowed in the forest cabins?

Pets are not permitted in the forest cabins or formal gardens. For pet-friendly stays, consider Damson, Rowan, or Whitfield Lodges. Pets are welcome on the Wetland Walk, Waterford Greenway, and in the Visitor Centre.

Where can I go for questions or support during my stay?

Visit the welcome desk at Mount Congreve House, open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Alternatively, you can reach out to us on the guest services phone – number will be provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please view the cancellation policy here.

Does this accommodation have air conditioning?

No, this accommodation is not equipped with air conditioning.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait for you to experience the peace and beauty of off-grid camping at Mount Congreve Gardens!

Contact:

[email protected]

Testimonials

«We had an amazing stay at the forest hotel in Mount Congreve. The cabin was furnished beautifully, and to an excellent standard. Everything you need to have a wonderful stay is there waiting for you. Added bonus was a lovely morning walk around the gardens. Couldn’t recommend it more for a luxury escape to the forest. Fiona was fantastic to deal with and gave great instructions. We’ll be back!» - Bramble Cabin 5* Ruth’s review

«We couldn’t have been met with a kinder reception both from the hosts, and then from the staff at the stables cafe. Everything was cosy and beautiful, the grounds were stunning. It’s lovely inside the cabins and the welcome basket was appreciated. 100% coming back in the future» - Hawthorn Cabin 5* Emma’s review

«We had a really magical stay for a special occasion. The cabins are immaculate and luxurious- so cosy and peaceful. The decor feels very welcoming from the gorgeous throws, the soft bath robes and the vintage style radio. The homemade bread, butter, milk and eggs are such a lovely touch. We took full advantage of the hot tub and it was magical under the trees and a crescent moon. Highly recommend to family, friend groups or couples.» - Beech Cabin – 5* Shona’s review

«Had the pleasure of staying at Mount Congreve estate. Everything was perfect from the location, tothe little extra touches of bread, eggs, milk, and butter in the cabin to the free bicycle hire. Its proximity to the greenway is a huge plus and in the 2 nights that we stayed there we cycled along it on 2 occasions. We stayed in January and it was minus temperatures outside but the cosy cabin was so warm with its underfloor heating. The staff were super friendly, full of local recommendations and helpful when we got lost trying to find the entrance to the greenway. It was fantastic mini break and definitely go back and stay there again in spring/summer.» - Beech Cabin 5* Brid’s review