A multi-million euro project is underway, which is expected to transform Mount Congreve House and Gardens in Waterford into a world-class visitor attraction.
The project will be steered by Sara Dolan who recently took up a role as Commercial Director of both Mount Congreve and Waterford Treasures.
The Ardmore native who is "absolutely loving" her new role, will be pivotal in transforming Mount Congreve.
Dolan has over 20 years experience working in the tourism industry. She has spent the last eight years as Group Marketing Director of the CLIFF Hotels Group.
While working alongside the attractions' management team, she hopes to elevate Waterford's position on the national and international tourism map.
"This is going to be a world-class destination, no doubt about it," she said.
Works underway at Mount Congreve
The gardens, which are considered among the greatest in the world, are currently closed for enhancement works. There is a pot of €6 million to spend on the 16 km grounds, house and estate.
"A lot of the money is going back into the gardens to improve the pathways. There'll be a whole new way-finding project happening so people can easily navigate their way through the woodlands space and the walled gardens," Dolan said.
Access to Mount Congreve House
Aside from garden developments, there will be new food and retail options, while the house, which had been closed to the public prior to this, will be partially opened:
"One of the most exciting developments is that the house, for the very first time, will have three rooms available for the public to view as part of the visitor experience," Dolan said.
At present, the rooms will not be available to stay in, but there is hope down the line to expand into the accommodation sector.
Dining and retail experience
A food truck called the 'Mount Congreve Express Café' will soon open at the Greenway entrance to the gardens; this will offer some of the signature tastes that will be available at the new on-site restaurant, 'Stables Café.'
The restaurant will endeavour to source as much local produce as possible, while the team is partnering with local businesses and producers for the new food and retail space at Mount Congreve. Included in the plans are a signature drink from Blackwater Gin, and a fragrance from Wild Oat soap.
Speaking on the plans for Mount Congreve, she said "for Waterford itself, it is going to really enhance the county, the region and just build on those visitor numbers."
It's hoped the house and gardens will re-open to the public in early Autumn, with an official launch expect at some point in 2023.
For more on Mount Congreve, click here.
You can listen to the full interview with Sara Dolan this evening on The Hot Desk - listen live here.
