At Mount Congreve Gardens, one of Ireland’s most captivating estates, a quiet transformation has been underway, one that pays tribute to heritage while embracing a new era of thoughtful, restorative travel. Set against the gentle hum of bees, amongst the blooms and the dappled shade of ancient trees, the estate’s last three remaining historic gate lodges, ‘Rowan’, ‘Oak’, and ‘Acorn’ have emerged from a decade of dereliction to offer guests an intimate invitation into one of Ireland’s most storied gardens.
Once derelict and forgotten, these small architectural gems have been sensitively restored, their character intact and their spirit rekindled. Original timbers and stonework now meet warm textures, antique finds, and considered comforts for guests to enjoy.
Rowan Gate Lodge, also known as Brett’s or Kennedy’s Lodge, stood empty for over a decade. Its revival has been nothing short of a labour of love. Beneath a newly laid roof and within walls painted in rich, heritage greens, guests will find a retreat marked by elegance and restraint. A Louis XV bed rests beneath Waterford Crystal lighting, while curated antiques speak to the lodge’s place in the estate’s lineage. A dedicated Dog Room, complete with beds, bowls, and toys from Irish maker Country Pet, continues Mount Congreve’s longstanding affection for four-legged visitors. Just beyond the front door, private access to the gardens after hours makes every stay a personal encounter with nature.
Inside the estate walls themselves, Oak and Acorn Gate Lodges form a pair of interconnecting hideaways nestled among the garden paths. These one-bedroom cottages, once home to the estate’s gatekeepers, are now havens of considered design and natural charm. Oak Lodge is quietly confident, its mustard walls and deep roll-top bath offering a cocoon of comfort. Oak worktops, heritage cabinetry, and a secluded dining terrace lend themselves to long, slow evenings surrounded by garden scents and stillness.
Acorn Lodge, painted in a soft Florentine red, leans toward the romantic. A gramophone hums beneath vintage sconces, while sunlit living spaces invite reading, resting, or nothing at all. The two lodges can be enjoyed separately or combined to create a private two-bedroom residence for families or friends—a space where the rhythms of the estate become the pace of daily life.
Further afield, though still within the quiet embrace of the gardens, Meadow Glamping returns for summer 2025. Hidden in a lush green meadow, off-grid bell tents blend wilderness with comfort. Here, the luxuries are of a gentler kind with FOXFORD wool throws, wood-burning stoves, and the hush of evening birdsong. The tents have no electricity, no running water, yet everything needed is here, featuring solar lanterns, coolers for fresh food, and the rare peace that comes from sleeping in step with nature.
Whether gathered around a fire, wandering woodland paths, or cycling along the Waterford Greenway, guests are invited not just to stay, but to be still. Each visit includes garden access, bicycles for exploring, and the welcome of a place that honours beauty, privacy, and time.
Recognition for Mount Congreve’s approach to slow, meaningful travel continues to grow. Now featured on Room + Wild, the globally respected platform for nature-based stays, and part of the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Program, the estate is quietly establishing itself as a sanctuary for those seeking sustainability without sacrifice, connection without intrusion. These partnerships celebrate the gardens not only as a horticultural landmark but as a living, breathing invitation to experience Ireland with intention.
Alongside the newly restored lodges and Meadow Glamping, guests may also choose from the elegant Courtyard Suite in Mount Congreve House or the Forest Cabins, designed with families in mind. Each space opens into the gardens. For more information or to reserve a stay, visit www.mountcongreve.com
