The multi-award-winning Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford has a Christmas programme of occasions and events filled with gourmet deliciousness, fun, crafting and more.
The festive season will officially begin at the beautiful Mount Congreve Gardens on November 23rd at 12 noon for the switching on of our Christmas lights. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, the melodious sounds of jazz singer Maria Hymas and afterwards browse a wide range of unique gifts in FOXFORD, that reflect the beauty of nature and the gardens, plus receive 10% off selected products.
A Magical Elf Trail
From November 23rd to December 22nd, a season of merriment awaits at Mount Congreve. Cheeky garden elves have sprung to life from their autumn slumber, hiding in flower beds and beyond. Gather the whole family for a magical quest to find these merry troublemakers. Successful elf-spotters will be rewarded with a festive selection box! For tickets, visit www.mountcongreve.com.
Festive Workshops
In addition, visitors to Mount Congreve Gardens will also have the opportunity to book into a number of festive workshops, from Wreath Making to Calligraphy and Festive Candle making workshops on offer during weekends from December 6th to 14th.
On December 6th and 13th, there will be festive wreath-making workshops led by the garden team in the Mount Congreve school room. Participants will be offered the opportunity to enjoy exploring the gardens with one of the garden team who will share top tips for picking yuletide foliage and natural materials to inspire your creations. Back in the classroom following a wreath-making demonstration, you will create your own wreath. €60 pp.
A 2-hour Calligraphy workshop will be led by expert Sarah O’Dea on December 14th. It will offer participants an opportunity to learn the basic techniques of modern calligraphy. A calligraphy kit is included for each participant to take away with them (nib, pen holder, worksheets, ink pot). Emma Hyland of MuMe will lead Festive Candle Making and guide you through creating festive candle making, each person will take home their own creations. €65 pp.
On December 7th a two-hour festive candle-making workshop will be led by Emma Hyland of MuMe and she will guide you through a bespoke creation of festive candles. Each person will take home their own creations – perfect as a Christmas gift (or to keep for yourself!). The result will be a 200ml soy candle in a glass container, as well as wax melts. All ingredients and equipment will be supplied by Emma. €48 pp
Festive Afternoon Tea
Enjoy some old-world charm and visit Mount Congreve Gardens this Christmas for Festive 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, available from 12.30 pm from December 1st to 22nd at €39 pp or non-alcoholic alternative for 35 pp
Date: December 1st to 22nd December\
Winter Garden Tours
If it’s a jaunt outside in the crisp winter air that is required then a guided tour of the Winter Gardens is on offer to visitors at 11 am on December 5th, 8th, 12th and 19th. This is a wonderful time of year to explore the woodland gardens with one of our resident gardeners. Wrap up warm and get ready to discover all that the gardens have to offer in the lead-up to the festive period – as well as some top tips on yuletide foliage and natural materials that can form part of your Christmas décor.
Winter Art Exhibition
Artform is excited to present its second exhibition at the Gallery at Mount Congreve Gardens – a Winter Exhibition. The featured artists will be announced over the coming weeks and this gallery represents a new collaboration between Mount Congreve Gardens and Artform, dedicated to celebrating art in the gardens year-round. The new exhibition will open from November 29th to December 22nd from 9 to 4.30 pm daily.
At Mount Congreve, the house, gardens, café and gallery are open year-round and presently open 4 days a week (Thur to Sunday). Tickets for all of the festive fun events are available in advance at www.mountcongreve.com
