Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford, one of the Great Gardens of the World, has announced the return of Restival 2026, its annual wellness festival, taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May.
Set across 70 acres of intensively planted gardens and woodland, Restival is a two-day, garden-led programme of movement, mindfulness and food experiences, thoughtfully designed to highlight the proven benefits of time spent in nature. Running daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, the festival offers a structured yet deeply restorative opportunity to step back from modern pressures and reconnect with both the natural environment and oneself.
At its core, Restival reflects Mount Congreve’s wider philosophy: that wellbeing is not an abstract concept, but something grounded in place through landscape, seasonal food, and shared experience. Research increasingly highlights the measurable benefits of time spent outdoors, from reduced stress levels and improved mood to enhanced cognitive function and better sleep quality. Restival brings these benefits to life through direct, guided experiences within one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens.
Sara Dolan, CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Treasures, says, “Restival is about giving people the space to slow down and reconnect with nature, with food, and with themselves. What makes it distinctive is that the gardens are not just a backdrop; they actively shape the experience. From forest bathing to estate-to-plate dining, everything is rooted here.”
Saturday, the 2nd of May, welcomes Dr Mark Rowe as a headline speaker. Embrace a Forest Bathing Experience with Dr Mark Rowe, a medical doctor who focuses on wellbeing. He will also present ‘Things Your Future Self Will Thank You For’ and lead a guided forest bathing experience within the estate. Ross Wareham of FROE leads a session on Foraging and Natural Medicine, revealing the nutritional and medicinal value of everyday plants. Gillian O’Gorman, The Burnout Coach, presents Burn Bright, Not Out, offering practical strategies for sustainable performance and avoiding burnout. The day concludes with a closing guided meditation led by Catherine O’Donohoe.
Sunday 3rd May features April Brophy of Sliabh Hiking, exploring the role of hiking and outdoor immersion in building mental clarity, resilience and connection. Colman Power delivers a dynamic movement session suitable for all fitness levels, alongside insights into gut health, organic food and energy. Louise Ryan of Sunfleck shares nature-based practices designed to bring calm, light and balance into daily life. Additional sessions across the day explore sleep with FOXFORD, as well as recovery, mindfulness and movement.
New additions to this year’s programme further deepen the festival’s focus on mindful nourishment and connection. Healthy Mindful Eating with Resident Chef J.B. Dubois offers an inspiring and immersive talk where guests are invited to explore how food can nourish not only the body, but also the mind and soul. Drawing on his refined culinary expertise and passion for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Dubois encourages participants to slow down, reconnect with their relationship with food, and embrace the principles of conscious eating. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the gardens, the session explores balancing flavour and nutrition while embracing simplicity and sustainability, offering practical insights that can be carried into everyday life.
The Restival – Healthy and Mindful Sharing Brunch takes place at the Stables Café on Sunday, 3rd May from 10:15 am, offering a calm and nourishing start to the day. This relaxed brunch experience celebrates fresh, seasonal produce, much of it grown on-site and complemented by the best of local Irish suppliers. Thoughtfully presented on sharing platters, each dish is designed to be enjoyed slowly, encouraging connection, conversation and mindful eating. Guests can enjoy Irish apple juice, freshly squeezed orange juice or a perfectly brewed coffee while seated at shared tables that foster a warm and sociable atmosphere reflective of the spirit of Restival. With a limited capacity of 48 guests, this intimate experience provides a moment of calm and connection within the wider festival. Tickets are €25 per person, which includes brunch, juices, and a hot beverage of choice. Advance booking is essential.
Across both days, participants will experience yoga in the Walled Gardens, Pilates on open lawns, Qi Gong, and guided forest bathing sessions, all shaped by the rhythms and atmosphere of the estate.
The festival is further grounded in Mount Congreve’s estate-to-plate philosophy, where ingredients grown within metres of The Stables Café are transformed into seasonal dishes, reinforcing the connection between food, land and wellbeing.
Make a Weekend of It. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Accommodation is available across the estate, including forest eco cabins with private hot tubs, restored 18th-century gate lodges, an intimate courtyard suite, and off-grid bell tents, each offering a unique way to experience the gardens after hours. With direct access to the Waterford Greenway and private evening access to the gardens, a Restival visit can become a complete weekend retreat.
Tickets for Restival 2026 are available from €44 per person, with limited capacity to ensure an intimate and high-quality experience. See www.mountcongreve.com Restival 2026 is proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.
C/O PowerHouse PR
