Gardens and Grandeur Life in the Big House

South East Ireland , Ireland

Gardens and Grandeur Life in the Big House

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Step inside Mount Congreve House & travel back to 1775 in this immersive, character-led experience. As silver glints in the afternoon light & order is restored, guests are guided through the rituals of dining by Thomasina Whitcombe, the estate’s senior stewardess—precise, watchful, & said by some never to have truly left service!

Mount Congreve was the last house in Ireland to employ liveried servants, & within the Large Drawing Room—adorned with rare Chinese wallpaper & fine Irish silver—every gesture matters: who is seated, who serves, and what remains unspoken.

The experience continues with a gentle walk to the Walled Gardens, the productive heart of the estate that sustained the household, where formality gives way to soil & season.

Set within the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, this is a cultural storytelling experience rather than a horticultural tour.

Duration: ~60 min
Includes: In-character guided tour & full-day garden access
Weather: Moves fully indoors if required

Available options

Gardens and Grandeur Life in the Big House

What's included

Admission fee

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Travelers take part in a guided, in-character experience inside Mount Congreve House, led by the estate’s stewardess. They explore the Large Drawing Room and learn how dining, service, and household order operated in an Irish Big House in the late 18th century.

Guests hear stories of daily life, hierarchy, and tradition, see historic interiors including Chinese wallpaper and Irish silver, and gain insight into how the house functioned behind the scenes.

The tour continues with a short walk to the Walled Gardens, where travelers learn how the household was supplied with food and how productive gardens supported life indoors.

The experience lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes garden access for the remainder of the day.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please present to Mount Congreve House, ten minutes before tour time.

Important notes

Please present your confirmation email to the welcome desk in Mount Congreve House to receive your tickets.

About South East Ireland

South East Ireland is a region known for its stunning coastal scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cultural heritage. It offers a mix of charming towns, picturesque landscapes, and a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region is also famous for its mild climate, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and leisurely exploration.

Top Attractions

Hook Lighthouse

Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, dating back to the 13th century. It offers guided tours and stunning views of the Hook Peninsula.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (€8-€12)

Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is a historic site featuring a collection of medieval buildings, including a round tower, a high cross, and a Romanesque chapel. It's a significant cultural and historical landmark in Ireland.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (€8-€12)

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is a stunning medieval castle that has been beautifully restored. It offers guided tours, beautiful gardens, and a glimpse into Ireland's rich history.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (€8-€12)

Mountain Bike Trail - Bridgetown

The Mountain Bike Trail in Bridgetown offers a thrilling outdoor adventure with a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. It's a great way to explore the region's natural beauty and enjoy some adrenaline-pumping action.

Adventure Half-day to full day Budget (€10-€20)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicacy in South East Ireland, often served with brown bread and cream cheese. The region's coastal location ensures the freshest salmon available.

Appetizer Contains fish

Bacon and Cabbage

A traditional Irish dish made with boiled bacon and cabbage, often served with potatoes. It's a hearty and comforting meal that reflects the region's agricultural heritage.

Main Course Contains pork

Soda Bread

Soda bread is a staple in Irish cuisine, made with flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. It's often served with butter and is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

Side Dish Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Surfing Spa treatments Beach lounging Scenic drives Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region's natural beauty. The days are long, and the weather is generally pleasant.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Irish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Standard Time), GMT+1 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

South East Ireland is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey

Getting there

By air

Waterford Airport • 10 km from Waterford city center
Dublin Airport • 150 km from South East Ireland

By train

Waterford Plunkett Station, Kilkenny MacDonagh Station

By bus

Waterford Bus Station, Kilkenny Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Bus services are reliable and cover most towns and cities in the region. Tickets can be purchased on board or through various mobile apps.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kilkenny City Waterford City Wexford Town

Day trips

Glendalough

80 km from Dublin • Full day

Glendalough is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, known for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. It offers stunning natural beauty and a rich historical heritage.

Tintern Abbey

100 km from Dublin • Half day

Tintern Abbey is a beautiful ruined abbey located in County Wexford. It's a great place to explore Ireland's medieval history and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Jerpoint Abbey

120 km from Dublin • Half day

Jerpoint Abbey is a well-preserved Cistercian abbey located in County Kilkenny. It's a great place to learn about Ireland's medieval history and admire the beautiful architecture.

Festivals

Wexford Opera Festival • Late October to early November Kilkenny Arts Festival • August Waterford Winterval • November to January

Pro tips

Visit historic sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photographs.
Try local specialties like smoked salmon, bacon and cabbage, and soda bread for an authentic taste of South East Ireland.
Explore the region's coastal paths and scenic drives for a unique and memorable experience.
Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the region's vibrant cultural scene.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for a more in-depth and insightful experience.