Mount Congreve House and Gardens is to get a significant upgrade, with building contractors now on site.
In 2019, Waterford Council and Fáilte Ireland were awarded grant funding of over €3.7 million for the development of the estate, under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Project Ireland 2040.
Mount Congreve is home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world, and is considered a world-class tourist destination.
New amenities at Mount Congreve
The works will involve the partial redevelopment and restoration of the Mount Congreve House. There will also be enhanced visitor amenities including a new visitor centre, with cafe and retail spaces.
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said that the investment will consolidate its position as one of ‘the great gardens of the world.’
“Not only will the works enhance the house and grounds, it will deliver a world-class visitor centre in the heart of the South East.”
Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly added, “This major re-development project will also open up the heretofore private areas of the house to the public, which is sure to offer a fascinating insight into the history of Mount Congreve.”
Works expected to bring more visitors
It is intended that on completion, the project will deliver a tourism destination which will attract 150,000 visitors annually. There will also be investment in the under developed assets on the Estate.
Estate Manager Ray Sinnott spoke to WLR News, saying that the works will greatly enhance the site:
Orla Carroll, Director Product Development at Fáilte Ireland commented, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to see work commence on this exciting development to open the beautiful Mount Congreve House and Gardens to the World. The project will create a new, vibrant attraction in Waterford for families and overseas visitors and will reinforce Ireland's Ancient East as a world-class visitor destination.”
The works to Mount Congreve House are expected to last until summer 2022.
