Mount Congreve Gardens - Tour Operator Guide 2023

TOUR OPERATOR GUIDE 2022/2023

WELCOME Open year-round, the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens are a haven for plant and history lovers alike as well as for those simply looking to relax in nature.

Boasting one of the largest private collections of plants globally and described as‘A Great Garden of the World' the entire collection features plants from every continent.

Mount Congreve House, home to six generations of Congreves, was built in 1760 by the celebrated local architect John Roberts.

Inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschilds exceptional garden at Exbury in Hampshire, with work beginning in the 1950s, Ambrose Congreve's passion for his spectacular garden is still evident today.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS SPRING From the soft white pinks of the one-kilometre mature Magnolia Tree walkway to the deep pinkreds of the Camellias and Rhododendrons.

SUMMER From an unbroken sea of strawberry-creamcoloured Astilbes and Peony Roses to the rainbow shades of the Herbaceous Borders in the walled August Garden.

AUTUMN From the deep bronze tones of the Maple Lawn to the fallen Beech Tree nuts, gathered

by Ireland's native and rare red squirrel.

WINTER From the artfully knotted branches of the Wisteria trees to the powerfully scented, delicate and rare Daphne Jacqueline Postill.

FACILITIES THE STABLES CAFÉ - 95 SEATS AFTERNOON TEA (BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL)

GIFT SHOP TICKET DESK ACCESSIBLE TOILETS COACH PARKING Drop off facility at entrance GUIDED TOURS HOUSE OPEN 2023 SEASON AUDIOVISUAL - 5MIN AUDIO TOURS AVAILABLE (ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN AND SPANISH)

FIT 2023 ADULT GROUP TOURS Guided tour with the Garden Curator Curators Edible Woodland Tour, Michael White. Explore the gardens visual and edible gems!

Guided tour with Expert Gardener Insights into the formal and woodland gardens with a resident Mount Congreve expert gardener

Guided tour of Gardens Guided tour of Mount Congreve’s formal and woodland gardens

Guided Worldwide Walking Tour Tour exploring plantsincluding rare varieties- from every corner of the globe

Guided Garden Highlight Walk

Insights into the history of Mount Congreve House and Gardens

DURATION

FITNESS

COST

Two hours

Moderate

€25.00 pp

Two hours

Moderate

€20.00 pp

Two hours

Moderate

€16.00 pp

Two hours

Moderate

€16.00 pp

One hour

Low/Moderate

€14.00 pp

CONTACT: SARA DOLAN - COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR SARA.DOLAN@MOUNTCONGREVE.COM | +353 87 1167 944

GUIDED TOUR WITH THE GARDEN CURATOR CURATORS EDIBLE WOODLAND TOUR DURATION: Approx. 2 hours FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate PRICE: €25 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10-30

A must for nature & garden enthusiasts, this tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the 70-acre, Mount Congreve formal & woodland gardens with the estate's resident curator, Michael White. Known here as“a living encyclopaedia of the garden".

Michael's passion for the gardens & lively personality brings visitors right into the heart of the stories & origins of rare species & plants that are both native to Ireland & present in these gardens due to the worldwide travels of Mr Ambrose Congreve.

As visitors move through the gardens with Michael, they will also learn innovative techniques & methods from this world-class gardener; along with some surprises about plants, trees & shrubs that have been used throughout history for dietary and medicinal purposes!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT INCLUDE • The Dinosaur Tree (Wollemia Tree): an incredibly rare plant, native to Australia • The story of the first woman to circumnavigate the world and the plants associated with her • Medicinal trees and shrubs and their particular place in history • Planting philosophy of Mr Congreve, who was the winner of 13 gold medals at the prestigious Chelsea flower show in the United Kingdom

GUIDED TOUR WITH EXPERT GARDENER DURATION: Approx. 2 hours FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate PRICE: €20 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10-30

In addition to a guided visit of Mount Congreve's 70 acre formal and woodland gardens, this tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn from one of the estate's resident gardening experts and gain a deeper insight into the workings and management required throughout diverse seasons. Learn first-hand secrets and world class, innovative gardening techniques that have been shared over centuries.

These include how the walled gardens have been laid out to create a natural airflow to protect against frost and disease, the rotation of crops for the best care of soil. The integrated pest control system that enables plants to thrive and survive organically.

The centuries old technique of self-irrigating conservatories, the methods that encourage the growth of grapes and peaches, even in Ireland's temperate climate!

GENERAL GUIDED TOURS

GARDEN HIGHLIGHT WALK (FORMAL GARDENS) DURATION: Approx. 1 hour FITNESS LEVEL: Low - Moderate PRICE: €14 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10-30

Following a grand arrival past the sweeping, main entrance of Mount Congreve Mansion, visitors enjoy a gentle stroll through Mount Congreve's formal gardens.

This guided visit includes the Walled Gardens, where fruit and vegetables have been grown to support the estate over centuries.

See the Peach House and the multiple, heritage variety apples including Beauty of Bath, Discovery and James Grieve.

From there, visitors pass onto the Bellgate Lawn, surrounded by almost 200 Rose“Scarlet Abundance” and overlooked by ancient Oak trees.

Following the terrace walk, past the rolling rose lawn, highlights include the delicately leafed Acer Tamukeyama and vibrant pink-green tinged Pseudowintera, “Marjorie Congreve”named after Mr. Ambrose Congreve's wife.

GENERAL GUIDED TOURS

GARDEN WALK-HIKE (FORMAL & WOODLAND GARDENS) DURATION: Approx. 2 hours FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate PRICE: €14 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10-30

Following a visit of the formal gardens as outlined above, visitors enjoy an extended walk-hike through the rougher terrain that winds through the stunning surroundings of Mount Congreve's woodland gardens.

Highlights of this visit include the Rock Waterfall, surrounded by a magnificent 1km long Magnolia walk and even longer Hydrangea walk; the Ice House, built in the 1750s to preserve the estate's food; the unexpected presence of a Chinese Pagoda, nestled within an impressive 17 metre drop; and the Temple (finally resting place of Mr Ambrose Congreve and his wife Marjorie Congreve), overlooking the River Suir.

GENERAL GUIDED TOURS

WORLDWIDE WALKING TOUR (FORMAL & WOODLAND GARDENS) DURATION: Approx. 2 hours FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate PRICE: €16 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10-30

Following an impressive arrival at the main entrance of the Mount Congreve estate, this visit includes both the formal and woodland gardens.

Throughout a two-hour exploration, an expert gardener guides emphasise plants from around the world; including rare species from the foothills of Nepal, to the mountains of South Africa and from the Swamps of Georgia U.S.A, all the way to Siberia.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT INCLUDE •Japanese Azeleas •Majestic Californian Redwood •Spiky (but beautiful) fragrant Mahonia, from Eastern Asia •Twisted trunk of the Mediterranean Castanea •"Handkerchief" tree from China •"Dinosaur" tree from Australia o Wollemia Nobolis: thought be extinct, until rediscovered in 1994. This tree was gifted to Mr Ambrose by the Mount Congreve resident gardeners to mark his 100th birthday

GENERAL GUIDED TOURS

LUXURY TOUR OF WATERFORD DURATION: Full Day FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate PRICE: €16 per person Min/Max Numbers: 10

Experience three glistening Waterford gems in Ireland's Ancient East.

This guided Luxury Tour of Waterford starts with a private behind-the-scenes visit at the House of Waterford, where you'll witness first-hand how their crystal masterpieces are crafted.

Then take a short ten-minute drive to the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, which date back to 1760! This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the 70-acre, formal & woodland gardens with Garden Curator Michael White.

End your day in the heart of Ireland's oldest city with a Terroir Tour with Waterford Whisky's Head Distiller Ned; learn about the Irish farms that have provided over 100 unique flavour sources while unlocking the natural mysteries of organic, biodynamic & heritage barley.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT INCLUDE •Japanese Azeleas •Majestic Californian Redwood •Spiky (but beautiful) fragrant Mahonia, from Eastern Asia •Twisted trunk of the Mediterranean Castanea •"Handkerchief" tree from China •"Dinosaur" tree from Australia o Wollemia Nobolis: thought be extinct, until rediscovered in 1994. This tree was gifted to Mr Ambrose by the Mount Congreve resident gardeners to mark his 100th birthday

FIT 2023 ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON AND INCLUSIVE OF VAT

TICKET ADMISSION AND EVENT PAYMENTS BANK NAME & BRANCH: AIB: 72-73 MEAGHER'S QUAY, WATERFORD, X91 V962 IBAN: IE20 AIBK 9341 1927 6470 47 SORT CODE: AIBKIE2D

VAT NO. 3520023QH

MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS, KILMEADEN, CO. WATERFORD, IRELAND X91 PX05

FOOD AND BEVERAGE PAYMENTS CATOCA FINE FOODS & GIFTWARE IS A FULLY LICENSED PREMISE SEPARATE TO MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS. ALL PAYMENTS FOR REFRESHMENTS SHOULD BE MADE DIRECTLY TO CATOCA FINE FOODS & GIFTWARE.

BANK NAME & BRANCH: AIB BANK, EDWARD STREET, NEWBRIDGE CO KILDARE IBAN: IE36 AIBK 933244 37385042 SORT CODE: AIBKIE2D

VAT NO. IE9814129U

CATOCA (MULLINGAR)LTD TRADING AS CATOCA FINE FOOD & GIFTWARE C/O MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS, KILMEADEN, CO. WATERFORD, IRELAND X91 PX05 CATOCA FINE FOODS & GIFTWARE E: INFO@CATOCAFINEFOOD.COM M: 086 300 5938

Cancellation Policy Rate Basis

The rate quoted is net of commission and includes government tax (VAT) at the current rate of 9% • Mount Congreve Gardens reserves the right to amend these rates in the event of changes to the rate of tax, or the introduction of any new government levy.

• The rates quoted are fully inclusive of all taxes. Gratuities are at a client’s discretion.

Rate Conditions

Rates are applicable for global markets only and are not applicable for sale to the domestic Irish market. Neither agreed rates nor allocations will feature on any public or consumer internet site. Nor should they feature on any distribution system that offers or sells directly to the public, or are otherwise featured in the public domain. Under no circumstances are the rates provided to be sold unpackaged. Rates are intended only for packaging with other elements of travel and must be packaged before onward distribution. Any rates which are packaged and sold to another third party for onward distribution are bound by the terms and conditions of this contract. The Operator company cited on this contract will ensure communication of and compliance with said terms and conditions.

Children's Policy

• The child rate noted in this agreement applies to a child up to 12 years • A child up to 16 years is charged 20% less than an adult • A child of 16 years old plus is charged at the same rate as an adult

Close Out Dates

• Mount Congreve Gardens are closed for bookings Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Summer Fair Sunday (mid-July) August Sunday Fair(mid-Aug) and there will be an annual three week closure in January.

• Subject to prior agreement, the gardens may open for pre-booked guided tours of 25 people on general closed dates All amendments, including cancellations to bookings, must be notified in writing & received by the Mount Congreve Gardens. The Operator must be able to supply proof of same

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation policy • Final group numbers must be confirmed 7 days prior to arrival • A group constitutes 10 or more people • This final agreed number must be clearly noted on the Operator’s voucher and payment is based on same • Cancellations for all pre-bookings received after this period of 7 days will be charged in full

Cancellation Policy CREDIT ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS • Where an approved credit facility is in place, invoices will be posted or emailed to the Operator • Invoices are billed in local currency and the Operator agrees to discharge amounts payable in local currency within 30 days of the invoice issue date.

• Failure to comply with credit terms will result in credit facilities being withdrawn.

• Vouchers presented by the group leader/client on arrival should state clearly the services contracted and chargeable to the Operator.

Payment Terms NON CREDIT ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS Ad Hoc Group Bookings • 10% booking deposit based on the total value of booking required immediately on confirmation of the reservation in order to secure space.

• Balance of payment (90%) payable 14 days prior to group arrival, based on final numbers quoted. Payment must be received in company’s bank account 14 days prior.

• This payment is non-refundable

Food and Beverage • Choose ONE MENU OPTION for your group • By pre-booking refreshments your group will have discounted rates, reserved seating and service to the table.

• The Rates quoted are for groups of 25 people or more • Advanced booking is essential to avail of these rates - minimum 24 hours notice • Numbers reserved will be numbers charged for • Please advise of any dietary requirements or special requests prior to your arrival • Cancellation policy - 24 Hours Notice • Driver or Guide goes free with groups of 25 people or more

Terms and Conditions

• Prices quoted are inclusive of VAT at 9% (current VAT RATE applies ) • The organiser and/or event booker is responsible for settling the groups account in full.

• Credit terms - payment in full on the day.

• Prices quoted are guide prices only and may change in line with inflation.

• Voucher payment accepted but must be pre-approved. Please provide the reference number for invoice.

• CaToCa Fine Foods & Giftware is a fully licensed premise separate to Mount Congreve Gardens and all payments for refreshments should be made directly to CaToCa Fine Foods & Giftware.

CaToCa Fine Foods & Giftware E: info@catocafinefood.com M: 086 300 5938

Stables Cafe by SAMPLE MENUS All prices are a guide only and subject to change

STABLES CAFÉ AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy an old-world charm and visit Mount Congreve Gardens for afternoon tea in the beautifully restored Tack Room.

Surrounded by gardens, trees, birds and wildlife, our afternoon tea is served on three-tier cake stands with crisp white linen, Irish silverware and fine bone china.

Sit back & relax while enjoying freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones and decadent pastries in the warm country estate surroundings.

We offer different afternoon teas, including traditional, vegetarian and gluten-free menus. Cakes are freshly prepared on-site with locally sourced ingredients where possible.

Our afternoon tea is an experience you won't want to miss when visiting Mount Congreve Gardens.

STABLES CAFÉ SAMPLE AFTERNOON TEA MENU

SAVOURY TIER- FINGER SANDWICHES Cucumber & Tipperary Cream Cheese ~ Honey-baked Ham ~ Free Range Irish Egg Mayo & Mustard Cress ~ Irish Chicken Caesar salad ~ Knockanore Mature Cheddar Cheese ~ Ballycotton Oak Smoked Salmon & Prawn in Marie rose sauce

SWEET TIER Fresh baked Fruit Scone with whipped cream, Dairy butter, homemade Raspberry Jam ~ Chocolate Brownie ~ Fruit cake ~ Mixed Macaroons ~ Lemon Tart ~ Almond Tart

€27.50pp €37.50pp with Prosecco

STABLES CAFÉ SAMPLE MORNING MENU

FRESH OVEN-BAKED SCONES Homemade Strawberry Jam Whipped Cream Freshly Brewed Organic Tea / Coffee

€6.00 PER PERSON Includes Refill Tea / Coffee

COOKED IRISH BREAKFAST Irish Bacon, 2 Pork Sausages, Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Tomato, Toast, Freshly Brewed Organic Tea / Coffee

€8.30 PER PERSON Includes Refill Tea / Coffee

HOME BAKED MORNING CAKE Freshly Brewed Organic Tea/Coffee & Home Baked Cake with Fresh Cream

€8.35 PER PERSON Includes Refill Tea / Coffee

All prices are a guide only and subject to change

STABLES CAFÉ SAMPLE LUNCH MENU - OPTION 1 €14.20 PER PERSON INCLUDES FRESHLY BREWED TEA / COFFEE

MOUNT CONGREVE COUNTRY SALAD

House Honey Roast Ham, Mixed Garden Leaves Tomato, Coleslaw, Mature Cheddar Cheese, Brie Cheese, Pickled Onion, House Relish, Homemade Brown Bread.

OR

IRISH CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Irish Chicken Breast, Mixed Garden Leaves, Crispy Irish Bacon, and Parmesan Cheese drizzled with a Classic Caesar Salad Dressing. (G.F) OR

OPEN BALLYCOTTON OAK IRISH SMOKED SALMON SANDWICH

Homemade Brown Bread, Mixed Garden Leaves, Prawn Marie Rose, Ballycotton Oak Irish Smoked Salmon (V) OR

HOMEMADE QUICHE

Goat’s Cheese, Roasted Vegetable Quiche served warm with Mount Congreve Garden salad selection (V)

ADD DESSERT FOR AN ADDITIONAL €4.65 PP MOUNT CONGREVE RHUBARB CRUMBLE & FRESH WHIPPED CREAM HOMEMADE CARROT CAKE WITH WHIPPED CREAM OR

BREAD & BUTTER VANILLA PUDDING CRÈME ANGLAIS OR

APPLE PIE WITH FRESH WHIPPED CREAM

STABLES CAFÉ SAMPLE LUNCH MENU - OPTION 2 CHOOSE ONE DISH OR ADD €3.50 PER PERSON FOR CHOICE

ROAST RIB IRISH BEEF Roast Gravy €16.65 G.F. OR

BAKED IRISH CHICKEN SUPREME Tarragon Jus €14.00 OR

ROAST LEG KILKENNY LAMB Rosemary Jus €17.65 G.F. OR

ROAST STUFFED LOIN PORK Apple and Cider Sauce €15.10 OR

BAKED FILLET ORGANIC SALMON Lemon Herb Butter €16.20 SERVED WITH CHIVE MASH, ROAST POTATOES AND MIXED SEASONAL STEAMED VEGETABLES ADD ANY DESSERT FOR €3.65PP SEE MENU 1 OPTIONS

STABLES CAFÉ SAMPLE LUNCH MENU - OPTION 3 €13.50 PER PERSON INCLUDES REFILL TEA / COFFEE

HOMEMADE ORGANIC WALLED GARDEN VEGETABLE SOUP (V) SELECTION OF GOURMET FRESH SANDWICHES FRESHLY BREWED TEA / COFFEE

ADD ANY DESSERT FOR €4.65 SEASONAL FRUIT CRUMBLE CUSTARD AND FRESH WHIPPED CREAM OR FRUIT MERINGUE ROULADE (G.F) INCLUDES REFILL TEA / COFFEE

DINING CAPACITIES MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS, KILMEADEN, CO. WATERFORD, IRELAND X91 PX05

ROOM

COCKTAIL

STABLES CAFÉ ?m2

RESTAURANT

BANQUET

THEATRE

120

200

95

TACK ROOM ?m2

CHINESE ROOM 9.8 m x 12.6 m 123 m2 MORNING ROOM 20m2 LIBRARY 27.5m2

220

110

OPENING HOURS 2023 MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

SUN

JAN

-

-

-

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

FEB

-

-

-

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

MAR

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

APR

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

MAY

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

JUN

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

9-6

JUL

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

AUG

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

9-8

SEP

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

OCT

-

-

-

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

NOV

-

-

-

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

DEC

-

-

-

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS IS OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CHRISTMAS DAY, ST. STEPHEN’S DAY, AND NEW YEAR’S DAY. THERE WILL BE AN ANNUAL THREE-WEEK CLOSURE IN JANUARY.

CONTACT: SARA DOLAN - COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR SARA.DOLAN@MOUNTCONGREVE.COM | +353 87 1167 944

HOW TO GET THERE MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS, KILMEADEN, CO. WATERFORD, IRELAND X91 PX05

LOCATED JUST 10 MINUTES FROM WATERFORD CITY CENTRE OVERLOOKING THE MAJESTIC RIVER SUIR & WITH DIRECT ACCESS FROM THE 45 KM WATERFORD GREENWAY, MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE N25.

SAT NAV CO-ORDINATES: 52.2409N, 7.2 140W EIRCODE: X91 PX05

LOCATION

DISTANCE

WATERFORD CITY

10 min

DUBLIN AIRPORT

1 hr 45

CORK AIRPORT

1 hr 30

ROSSLARE FERRYPORT

60 min

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