The Lodge at Waterford's Mount Congreve is a hideaway gem.
 |
| All ready for you |
The Lodge at Mount Congreve is a charming 18th-century gate lodge that has been lovingly restored and converted into a cosy and stylish hideaway. It is located on the grounds of the stunning Mount Congreve House and Gardens (one of the Great Gardens of the World), and it offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat in a historic setting with easy access to all the amenities and attractions of the surrounding area including the lively city of Waterford.
 |
| Be sure and check the story behind this temple in the garden with its lovely view over the Suir. |
Following its 7-million euro renovation, Mount Congreve House and Gardens was reopened in early 2023 and now, since June, includes the Lodge in its list of attractions.
The lodge, an 18th-century cottage by the entrance gate, is currently the only accommodation on the estate available to guests. Two other similar buildings are on the restoration list but they won't be ready anytime soon as no work has started.
The Lodge, originally the gatekeeper’s, has two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom, all on the small side but snug. Like all old buildings, it has its quirks but these give it some of its personality. While the restoration has some old features (cast-iron rainwater goods and an antique bio-ethanol stove), there are also very modern elements (apps on a supplied mobile phone for heating, opening the main gate etc.).
There is a decent-sized lawn equipped with a barbecue and hammock and if you want to walk, the whole estate is at your door, the gardens too (you have your own key). You can park the car by the house and close the lodge gate behind you. The main gates to the estate close at 6.00 pm, so if you are out and about you need to have the supplied mobile with the apps in the car.
 |
| Sleep well! |
If you want to tour around the area, you are also well placed. The award-winning Waterford Greenway cycle route can be accessed directly (you have two bikes available at the lodge) from Mount Congreve Gardens. The restored Waterford Suir Valley Railway has enabled the magic of rail’s golden age to be brought to life in nearby Kilmeadan. This narrow A gauge railway runs along 10 kilometres of the abandoned Waterford Dungarvan line. The R680 runs outside the gate and a few minutes in the car will take you to the N25.
 |
| The second bedroom. The Lodge can take 4 adults |
 |
| Picnic? |
The kitchen is small but has all you need to cook (if you want to!) and they supply enough essentials (fresh eggs, milk and bread included) to have a snack when you arrive (or the morning after). There’s even an “old” transistor radio on the window shelf and it is in good working order.
The dining room is so well furnished. The table is set with very attractive ware and you are immediately tempted to try it out. How about a picnic? No bother. There’s a large well-equipped basket there. I'm not too sure you'd manage that on your supplied bikes (2). You will of course be able to have breakfast or lunch or indeed afternoon tea at The Stables, the restaurant in the house.
 |
| Mount Congreve |
The master bedroom is beautifully lit and decorated (large tapestry and gilded mirror in one) and the black radiators (used throughout) are hardly noticeable but do their job. The bed itself is of the lower variety, handy for those of a certain age! Comfortable though. The second bedroom is only slightly smaller and just as comfortable.
In the Bathroom, you’ll find a range of toiletries including body wash and hand soap made locally by Wild Oats Soap, as well as a hair dryer. Bathrobes made up of 40% Bamboo & 60% Cotton can be found in the bedroom wardrobes. Check yourself out in the gorgeous old mirror. And the modern shower is all pushbutton, one of the best I've come across.
 |
| Meet a hearty Reuben at The Stables Café in the main house. Here, you may enjoy breakfast, lunch, and anytime treats. |
The Lodge itself is very well maintained both inside and out, spotless.
 |
| Pawn to Q4! |
Additional details:
- The lodge is located in the heart of the Waterford countryside, just a short drive from the city of Waterford.
- It is dog-friendly, with up to two dogs allowed per stay. If you do bring the dog, you will be able to take it to the Secret Garden Shop and the Stables Restaurant but not into the gardens.
- Not recommended for children under the age of 12.
- Rates from 195 euro per night to 270 euro per night depending on the season. A minimum two-night stay applies.
- .More info here https://mountcongreve.com/gate-lodge/
 |
| Check the Secret Garden Shop for treats and pressies. |
April Visit to Mount Congreve and gardens here . (Note - before Pantry at Cliff took over the Stables Restaurant).
