A brand new position has been created at Mount Congreve Gardens which places children and families front and centre this summer, the new Mount Congreve Kids Ambassador will be on hand to assist with enquiries, and orientation and to share knowledge on where to have the most fun in the stunning 70 acres including a 4 acre walled garden Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford this summer.
The first Kid’s Ambassador to take up the position is the knowledgeable Lauren Maher. Lauren knows the gorgeous gardens inside out, having spent many years exploring them on visits with her dad Pat Maher who is celebrating 36 years of tenure at Mount Congreve Gardens. Pat holds the position of Head of Maintenance for the estate. Lauren is following not only in the footsteps of her father but she is also a grand-niece to Peter Maher who held the position of Master Carpenter in Mount Congreve from 1977 – 2010.
Speaking about her new role Lauren says, “I’m really excited to begin this new role at Mount Congreve Gardens. For me, it is a place filled with fun and adventure with special places to explore and enjoy and I can’t wait to share all of the secret spots with families who come to visit this summer.”
Lauren will share details of the active play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, with basket swings, hammock swings, a climbing tower with an adventure tunnel slide, a balance walk, a seesaw and a boat sitting amongst a sand area and more in the Woodland Playground.
Young visitors can swing and jump and slide in the midst of the woodland space on Monty’s Lawn under a canopy of ancient trees offering a natural haven for pure fun. Other play features in the playground also offer opportunities for creative, sensory and imaginative play with additional secrets and surprises creating a sense of magic as little ones will enjoy exploring the nooks, secret hiding places, interesting textures, handles, peepholes and unexpected sounds as they make brand new discoveries.
In addition, this summer Mount Congreve Gardens has a wonderful new Summer Nature Trail on offer for families, where children can identify wild animals, murals, try some carbon tracing features and more. The Summer Nature Trail takes families through the marked trails offering a fun and engaging learning opportunity for all little ones.
Mount Congreve is lauded as a ‘great garden of the world’ and the title is certainly fitting to an incredible 70 acres of woodland gardens and 4 acres of walled gardens located just 10 minutes from Ireland’s oldest City of Waterford and with direct access from the Waterford Greenway.
The Mount Congreve Stables Café by The Pantry at CLIFF is also open 7 days a week. Daily passes and annual family memberships for the gardens are available with a family membership offering unlimited year-round access for 2 adults and 2 children for €100 with under 4’s having complimentary access; for more details and to plan your visit see www.mountcongreve.com
