Christmas Couples Retreat
Escape the holiday rush and enjoy a romantic winter getaway at Mount Congreve Gardens.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS ESCAPE
A Christmas Retreat in a Great Garden of the World
Stay at Mount Congreve Gardens this Christmas
This Christmas, step beyond the stone walls of Mount Congreve Gardens and into a different pace of life. Discover a collection of distinctive places to stay — from our beautifully restored Gate Lodges and elegant Courtyard Suite to the cosy Eco Cabin — each offering a unique way to experience one of the world’s great gardens. Wrapped in comfort, calm and old-world charm, every stay invites you to slow down and savour the season. Think warm interiors, FOXFORD throws, crisp winter walks through the gardens, and long, candlelit evenings. Just moments from the Waterford Greenway and a short drive from the festive lights of Waterford City, Mount Congreve is a peaceful Christmas escape unlike any other.
Festive Stays, Timeless Memories
Escape the holiday rush and enjoy a romantic winter getaway at Mount Congreve Gardens. Choose from one of five charming Gate Lodges (three of which are dog-friendly) or retreat to a cosy couples stay in our beautifully renovated Courtyard Suite.
Ideally located for those visiting Winterval or simply looking to enjoy the festive season in Waterford, this is the perfect base for a relaxed Christmas escape.
Spend your days wandering the world-renowned winter gardens, exploring FOXFORD, or enjoying two complimentary tickets to the Victorian Christmas Tour at the Bishop’s Palace in Waterford City, where you can step back in time and experience the traditions, sights and stories of a Christmas from a bygone era. Afterwards, return to your accommodation for a cosy evening together.
Each stay is beautifully decorated with a real Christmas tree and includes festive touches such as mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy on arrival.
Guests staying in selected Gate Lodges (Damson, Rowan and Whitfield) are welcome to bring their dog along to join in the festive break.
Package includes:
- Welcome Hamper
- Two tickets to the Victorian Christmas tour at the Bishop’s Palace
- Bottle of red wine and Foxford mulled wine spice kit
- Mince pies from the Stables Café
- Complimentary adult bikes (direct access to the Waterford Greenway)
- Private hot tub for adults to enjoy* (couples cabins only)*
Offer valid: 13 November – end of December 2026
Subject to availability. Minimum stay, terms, and cancellation policy apply. View cancellation policy HERE.
The Gate Lodge Collection
Five individual lodges – Damson, Rowan, Oak and Whitfield (located 5-min from Mount Congreve) – each with its own character, yet united by a simple promise: comfort, privacy, and that feeling of being gently tucked away from the world. At Christmas, they take on an even quieter magic – a time when the estate settles into stillness, when winter light softens the landscape, and when each lodge becomes a warm, intimate base for festive calm. Whether you’re escaping for pre-Christmas peace, retreating for the days between, or beginning the New Year in nature, each lodge offers its own interpretation of Christmas comfort: soft interiors, thoughtful details, and the rare pleasure of having a great garden just beyond your door.
Damson Gate Lodge
Sleeps 4 | Dog-friendly | Award-winning
A Sunday Times “Best Place to Stay – Fab 50” winner, Damson Gate Lodge is made for festive gatherings of two to four. The restored 1775 lodge pairs period detail with relaxed, contemporary comfort: two double bedrooms, a galley kitchen with SMEG appliances, and a cosy sitting room made for Christmas films and mulled wine.
Step outside to your private garden, take the complimentary adult bikes for a spin along the Greenway, or wander into the gardens for a quiet winter walk before supper.
- Ideal for: two couples, small families, Christmas with the dog
- Highlights: historic 18th-century lodge, stove-warmed evenings, garden access, adult bikes
Rowan Gate Lodge
Sleeps 2 | Dog-friendly | Heritage-restored
Set on the edge of the estate, Rowan Gate Lodge is a character-rich hideaway for two – plus four-legged companions. Inside, heritage tones, oak worktops and soft lighting create a warm, layered feel; outside, a private garden wraps you in quiet.
Dog beds, bowls and toys ensure your companion feels as welcome as you do. After a morning in the gardens or a cycle on the Greenway, return to Rowan for long, lazy afternoons and cosy evenings.
- Ideal for: couples with dogs, solo winter retreats
- Highlights: dog-friendly amenities, private garden, oak-detailed galley kitchen, adult bikes, after-hours garden access
Oak Gate Lodge
Sleeps 2 | Bathtub | Interconnects with Acorn
Once home to the estate’s gatekeeper, Oak Gate Lodge has been sensitively restored into a tranquil one-bedroom escape. Inside, you’ll find a cosy bedroom, a bathtub for deep winter soaks, and a fully equipped galley kitchen with oak countertops. Outside, an intimate dining terrace with BBQ sets the scene for long, lantern-lit evenings.
Oak connects internally with neighbouring Acorn Lodge, creating a flexible two-bedroom residence when booked together. Dogs are not permitted, preserving a calm, allergen-conscious space.
- Ideal for: couples, friends booking with Acorn
- Highlights: bathtub, interconnecting door to Acorn, outdoor dining terrace with BBQ, after-hours garden access
Whitfield Gate Lodge
Sleeps 2 | Dog-friendly | Unique Stay
Just a 5-minute drive from Mount Congreve Gardens, on the neighbouring Whitfield Estate, Whitfield Gate Lodge combines 18th-century charm with a quietly luxurious feel.
Inside, a fully equipped kitchen with marble countertops, a cosy living space with Smart TV and streaming, and a serene bedroom for deep winter sleeps. Outside, a private patio with BBQ, honesty bar and space to sit under the winter sky. Guests enjoy complimentary bathrobes, a welcome hamper, free parking and Wi-Fi – plus exclusive after-hours access to Mount Congreve Gardens.
Stroll the driveway to explore the wider estate; it’s a peaceful, scenic walk that feels a world away from the everyday.
- Ideal for: couples, guests wanting a little extra privacy, dog owners
- Highlights: dog-friendly, marble-topped kitchen, private patio with BBQ, honesty bar, after-hours garden access
Courtyard Suite
Sleeps 2 | Located in Mount Congreve House| Unique Stay
Set within the historic West Wing of Mount Congreve House, the Courtyard Suite offers a unique opportunity to stay in the former ancestral home of Ambrose Congreve. Accessed through a charming shared courtyard, this beautifully appointed suite blends the grandeur of the estate with elegant, contemporary comfort.
Inside, the suite is tastefully decorated to a high standard, with its own distinctive character and thoughtful touches that create a warm and relaxing retreat. Guests can enjoy modern comforts while surrounded by the rich history of one of Ireland’s most remarkable country houses.
One of the highlights of your stay is the opportunity to explore the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, including exclusive after-hours access that allows you to experience the estate in peaceful seclusion.
- Ideal for: couples
- Highlights: Located in Mount Congreve House, honesty bar, after-hours garden access
Eco-Forest Cabin
Sleeps 2 | Private Hot Tub | Unique Stay
Hidden among the enchanting woodlands of Mount Congreve Estate, the Eco-Forest Cabin offers a peaceful retreat where sustainable design meets modern comfort. Thoughtfully handcrafted to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, it’s the perfect place to slow down, switch off and reconnect with nature.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy double bedroom with luxurious FOXFORD linens, underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchenette and all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including complimentary Wi-Fi, bathrobes, a welcome hamper and fresh milk. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a warm and relaxing escape.
Step outside to your private deck and unwind in the hot tub beneath the trees, or hop on the complimentary bikes to explore the Waterford Greenway. Guests also enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, making every stay feel truly special.
- Ideal for: couples, romantic escapes, nature lovers
Highlights: private hot tub, eco-friendly woodland setting, underfloor heating, complimentary bikes, after-hours garden access
Your Christmas Stay Includes:
– Private, self-contained historic lodge within or beside Mount Congreve Estate
– Exclusive after-hours access to Mount Congreve Gardens
– Thoughtful festive touches to make your stay feel special
– Fully equipped kitchens for leisurely breakfasts and Christmas suppers
– Hotel-quality linens, towels and bathrobes
– Welcome hamper and honesty bar
– Two tickets to the Victorian Christmas tour at the Bishop’s Palace
– Bottle of red wine and Foxford mulled wine spice kit
– Mince pies from the Stables Café
– Complimentary adult bikes (direct access to the Waterford Greenway)
– Private hot tub for adults to enjoy* (couples cabins only)*
A Festive Base in Ireland’s Sunny Southeast
From your Gate Lodge door, you’re perfectly placed to explore:
- Mount Congreve Gardens – winter walks through woodland and walled gardens
- Waterford Greenway – crisp cycles and walks along the old railway line
- Waterford City – Ireland’s oldest city, dressed for Christmas with museums, shops, cafés and festive lights
- Dungarvan & the Copper Coast – seaside drives, long lunches and Atlantic air
Return each evening to the quiet glow of your own private lodge, a warm, welcoming space that feels entirely your own for a few winter nights.
Ready to Unlock Your Christmas Gate Lodge Escape?
Availability across the festive season is limited. Choose your lodge, choose your rhythm – and let the gardens do the rest.
