Gardens & Estates of Waterford
The Waterford Garden Trail features 12 different garden attractions throughout Waterford. There is a wide variety of gardens open for viewing, ranging from the gardens of the great old houses, to smaller gardens and garden centres. A number of the older gardens have been lovingly restored through the years, while the younger ones are maturing beautifully with time.
Mount Congreve Gardens
A 70 acre garden overlooking the River Suir with direct access to the Waterford Greenway,home of one of the largest private collections of plants in the World. Plant shop available on site selling plants and seasonal veg from the garden. Including a 4 acre walled garden that supplied Mount Congreve House for over 250 years and now supplies our cafe with seasonal produce. With 16 kms of pathways in a wonderful woodland setting, there are plants from every continent with many hidden features to be discovered.
- Free parking.
- Guided tours by appointment also.
- Coffee shop on site.
- Toilets including disabled toilets, baby changing facilities.
- Website: http://www.mountcongreve.com
NEW IN 2025:
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Ice Cream in the Stables: Artisan ice-cream is now available in the Stables Café
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New Menus: New summer café menus coming soon.
Curraghmore Estate House and Garden
Curraghmore, the seat of the Marquesses of Waterford, is Ireland’s greatest surviving estate. The grounds of Curraghmore were laid out by the first de la Poer -Beresford Earl of Tyrone around 1750 and provide a splendid example of a eighteenth century romantic landscape with the house as its centrepiece.
- Dogs allowed.
- Free parking.
- Shop.
- Tea rooms.
- Toilets.
- Website: www.curraghmorehouse.ie
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens
These stunning gardens tell the story of the life and extensive wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who grew up in Ireland, and whose life journey embraced several parts of the world. These biographical gardens take you through the Victorian Garden, the American and Greek Gardens, until you eventually arrive in the Japanese Strolling Gardens which feature many Japanese plants and Japanese architectural features.
- Shop.
- Plants for Sale.
- Refreshments.
- Toilets.
- Disabled access.
- No dogs allowed.
- Open year round.
- Guided tours available.
- Website: http://www.lafcadiohearngardens.com
Fairbrook House & Garden
A romantic walled garden , a few steps down the Waterford Greenway, laid out by Dutch artists Wout Muller and Clary Mastenbroek (since 1995) between ruins of the former Fairbrook Mill. Stonework features strongly from cobbled paths and little follies boasting streams, ponds, rills, topiary, a fruit and wisteria walk, a maze and much more. In the out-building there is also a museum of contemporary art.
- Free parking.
- Museum
- Plant sales.
- Toilet, no disabled access.
- Refreshments on terraces and conservatory.
- No dogs.
- Website: www.fairbrook-house.com
Tourin House & Garden
The gardens at Tourin extend over 25 acres. The original garden dates from 1840 with mature trees and a collection of shrubs. Garden paths lead from the pleasure garden, surrounding the main house, past the walled garden to the 17th century Tower House and Tourin Quay on the spectacular River Blackwater.
- Dogs allowed on leads.
- Toilets – Partial disabled access.
- Refreshments on request.
- Website: www.tourin.ie
Dromana House & Gardens
Dromana House with a rich history of over 800 years also boasts an idyllic natural setting for a large garden. It was historically laid out in terraces overlooking the breath-taking views of the river and mountains with looped walks. Dromana offers year round interest to plant lovers and casual observers alike.
- Free parking.
- Toilets.
- Refreshments if pre-booked.
- Website: www.dromanahouse.com
Salterbridge House & Gardens
A largely woodland garden of some 7 acres around Salterbridge House. The year starts with the snowdrops, leading on to the daffodils, primroses and bluebells. All these against a background of fine trees and shrubs, most noticeably the camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and acers followed by the summer and later shrubs and then the autumn colours.
- Free parking.
- Disabled access possible through part of the garden.
- Dogs allowed on a lead.
- Toilets.
- Website: www.salterbridgehouseandgarden.com
Abbey Road Gardens
Abbey Road is a cottage style plant collectors garden on one acre. This land was part of the Abbey Farm of the medieval abbey of Kilculliheen so the rich soil and sheltered site means even tender plants thrive. There is a wide range of perennials, bulbs, old roses and trees. A small garden with a big heart and a warm welcome.
- Plant sales.
- Complimentary refreshments for all visitors.
- Toilets.
- Parking.
Lismore Castle Gardens & Gallery
Lismore Castle Gardens are 7 acres of gardens set within the grounds of Lismore Castle. These historic gardens comprise of a wonderful collection of tree and shrubs, flowering meadows, herbaceous borders and fruit and vegetable production. There is a contemporary art gallery within the gardens.
- Free parking.
- Shop.
- Plant Sales.
- Refreshments.
- Toilets.
- Website: www.lismorecastlegardens.com
Cappoquin House & Gardens
18th century classical style house rebuilt in the 1920s on south facing slope with old and new gardens over 5 acres. Spring, summer and autumn find these gardens well planted, with extensive views over the valley.
With a rich history of being in the same family since 1735, there’s lots to see. Also boasting seated areas, the gardens can be enjoyed at your leisure.
- Toilets.
- Parking.
- No dogs allowed.
- House open by prior arrangement.
- Website: https://www.cappoquinestate.com/