Mount Congreve Estate reopens after €5m restoration project

Walled garden at Mount Congreve Estate

The works include the reinvigoration of the gardens and the restoration of the ornate Georgian glasshouse

Landscape

9 March 2023

The Mount Congreve Estate in Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford, has been re-developed into a world class tourist attraction and is expected to welcome over 86,000 visitors this year alone.

The landmark project received €5 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). An additional investment totalling €1.2 million was provided by Fáilte Ireland and a further €960,000 was provided by Waterford City and County Council to complete the project.

It is the largest single investment in a tourist project in Waterford’s history.

As part of the multi-million-euro project, the once privately-owned historic Mount Congreve Estate underwent a major restoration over the past two years.

The works include the reinvigoration of the gardens, a new state-of-the-art visitor centre, the restoration of the ornate Georgian glasshouse, the provision of retail and food outlets and the completion of a children’s playground.

It is estimated that the landmark tourist attraction will create almost 30 full and part time jobs and provide a major boost to the local economy.

“It is anticipated the visitors attracted to Mount Congreve will spend a total of €64.5 million in the area by 2033,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin. “This represents spend in the Waterford region of €6.45 million annually and the spend generated because of this investment will indirectly support 174 jobs annually.

“The sustainable redevelopment of Mount Congreve is an example of how we can achieve great things if we work together. The future of tourism in Waterford is brighter today thanks to the success of this project.”

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland added: “Investing in standout attractions and unique experiences is a key element of attracting international visitors to Ireland and encouraging domestic tourists to explore different areas of the country. Fáilte Ireland’s research into gardens shows that visitors see gardens as highly immersive and dynamic experience for the senses, that allows them to reconnect with nature and encourages them to explore.”

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