Diarmuid Gavin: Mount Congreve Gardens are back in full bloom

This revamped Waterford wonder is back open to the public, with a new cafe, visitor centre and a superb selection of plants to enjoy

Mount Congreve Gardens in Co Waterford

Diarmuid Gavin

Last week, the gates to Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, Co Waterford, were reopened to the public after a significant upgrade and redevelopment. These beautiful gardens are situated on the banks of the River Suir. After a considerable investment by the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, there are plenty of new facilities and 70 acres of woodland and a large walled garden for visitors to enjoy.

The house and gardens were bequeathed to the State by their owner, the late Ambrose Congreve, who was an enthusiastic plantsman. Along with his head gardener, Herman Dool, he planted an extensive collection of magnolias, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, all of which thrive in the moist, acidic, riverside soil and sheltered situation.