Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford is inviting visitors to slow down and savour the festive season this Christmas, with cosy accommodation packages, creative seasonal workshops and the chance to take a crisp festive walk through one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens at its atmospheric winter best.
From romantic couples’ retreats and family Christmas escapes to wreath-making and bauble-painting workshops, Mount Congreve offers a more considered way to celebrate the season, combining time outdoors, festive experiences and cosy nights in the heart of the Waterford countryside.
For those looking to make a break of it, the Christmas couples retreat offers a romantic winter getaway from 13 November through to the end of December. Guests can choose from one of five charming Gate Lodges, including three dog-friendly options, or enjoy a couples’ stay in the beautifully renovated Courtyard Suite.
The two-night package, from €460 per stay, includes a welcome hamper, mince pies from the Stables Café, red wine and a Foxford mulled wine spice kit, complimentary adult bikes with direct access to the Waterford Greenway and two tickets to the Victorian Christmas Tour at the Bishop’s Palace in Waterford City.
The lodges and Courtyard Suite are decorated with real Christmas trees and festive touches, creating a cosy base from which to explore the gardens, Waterford City and the wider festive programme. Couples staying in the cabins also have the added luxury of a private hot tub.
Families can embrace the magic of the season with a cosy family Christmas escape, staying in one of Mount Congreve’s beautifully designed eco-cabins – Beech, Fern or Maple. From €600 per stay for two adults and two children, the two-night package includes festive decorations and twinkling lights, a welcome hamper, mince pies, hot chocolate and marshmallow spoons for the children, as well as red wine and a Foxford mulled wine spice kit for the adults.
The package also includes two child tickets to Winterval’s Gingerbread Making Workshop in Waterford City, with adults going free, giving younger visitors the chance to create their own festive treats. Complimentary adult bikes and direct access to the Waterford Greenway make it easy to explore during the day before returning to the cabin for a cosy evening.
For those who prefer to make their own Christmas magic, Mount Congreve is also hosting a series of festive creative workshops in December.
On 5 and 12 December, Liz from Bizzy Lizzies Flowers will lead Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops from 10 am to 12.30 pm. Priced at €85 per person, the relaxed, hands-on sessions will introduce participants to creating a natural Christmas wreath using seasonal dried and fresh materials, including pine, eucalyptus, teasels, dried poppy seed heads and alliums. No previous experience is required, with Liz demonstrating the technique before helping participants create their own wreath to take home. All materials are included.
On 6 December, decorative artist Sarah O’Dea will lead a Christmas Bauble Painting Workshop from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Priced at €60 per person, participants will decorate two ceramic baubles using paints, markers and ribbons, with Sarah offering inspiration and guidance throughout the morning. There will also be the opportunity to add a name or initial in calligraphy, creating a personalised decoration to take home and bring out for Christmases to come. All materials are included, and no previous experience is necessary.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Mount Congreve Gardens will commence from late November, running right into the New Year, and on Christmas Eve the Stables Café will open from 10 am for breakfast with a very, very special visitor, none other than Santa Claus himself, mingling with guests and visiting each table before he sets off on his Christmas Eve journey.
For full details, availability and bookings for Christmas stays and festive workshops, visit www.mountcongreve.com
