Mount Congreve Gardens in County Waterford has been recognised with a distinguished honour from the International Dendrology Society (IDS), marking a historic first for the Republic of Ireland. This prestigious award, which includes the presentation of an official IDS plaque, acknowledges the garden’s outstanding collection of woody plants and its significant contribution to horticulture and conservation.
Renowned for its horticultural excellence, Mount Congreve Gardens has long been celebrated for its dedication to preserving rare and diverse plant species. The seventy-acre estate is home to one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, and other woody plants, set within richly planted woodlands. Widely regarded as one of the great gardens of the world, Mount Congreve continues to captivate visitors with its botanical diversity and natural beauty.
The International Dendrology Society, founded in 1952, is one of the most respected global organisations devoted to the study and appreciation of trees and shrubs. It brings together a worldwide network of dendrologists, horticulturists, botanists, and plant enthusiasts who are united by a passion for woody plants and their conservation. Ambrose Congreve, the creator of the arboretum, was for many years associated with the IDS and a friend of many of its leading members, and it is fitting that our plaque should be awarded today. Members of the IDS have visited Mount Congreve many times over the years and always found the collection and the garden’s commitment to plant conservation exemplary. Their findings praised the estate’s exceptional horticultural standards and the breadth and quality of its curated specimens.
Speaking at the award presentation over the weekend, Ray Sinnott, Estate Director at Mount Congreve, expressed pride in the recognition, stating that the award is a tribute not only to the current team’s daily dedication but also to the generations of gardeners who have nurtured the estate over time.
He emphasised that recognition from the IDS is rare and reserved for those who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the cultivation and conservation of woody plants. The accolade reflects the garden’s significant role in global efforts to understand and preserve plant biodiversity.
Lady Roberts, current chairman of IDS Trustees, said in her short speech how delighted the Society was to be able to present a plaque to Mount Congreve; the arboretum and garden contain a formidable number of species, that are not only beautiful and contribute to conservation, but can be built upon and serve as a basis to educate and inform.
AN INSPIRING EXPERIENCE
With this honour, Mount Congreve Gardens joins a select group of internationally celebrated gardens acknowledged by the IDS for their botanical excellence and contributions to global plant heritage. The recognition affirms the estate’s status as a living museum of botanical diversity and a valuable destination for plant lovers, researchers, and garden enthusiasts from around the world.
Mount Congreve continues to be a source of pride for Waterford, standing as one of the most enchanting gardens in existence today. In addition to its expansive woodland gardens set out over 70 acres and a four-acre walled garden, the estate enjoys a remarkable location overlooking the River Suir, offering visitors sweeping views that enhance the sense of peace and grandeur.
Sara Dolan, CEO at Mount Congreve, remarked on the unique character of the gardens, highlighting the harmonious blend of formal and informal plantings, the careful stewardship of rare species, and the tranquil setting that together create an experience both immersive and inspiring. She described the estate as a living work of art, one that will continue to inspire future generations.
Following an extensive restoration and development project, Mount Congreve Gardens and its new visitor centre officially opened to the public in 2023. The estate welcomes visitors seven days a week, inviting all to explore its stunning landscapes and botanical treasures. More information is available at www.mountcongreve.com
