Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford is inviting visitors to celebrate Easter with a curated programme of nature-led experiences set across its renowned 70ac of gardens.

Taking place this Easter weekend from today, Saturday, April 4 to Monday, April 6, the programme at Mount Congreve Gardens offers a blend of seasonal discovery and family-friendly activities designed to connect visitors with the beauty of spring.

Throughout the weekend, there will be free access for children to the gardens.

Today, Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, families can take part in the tadpole talk, a short session at the waterfall at 11:00a.m and 12:00 noon.

This child-friendly introduction explores one of spring’s most fascinating life cycles, helping young visitors understand how tadpoles grow, why ponds matter and the important role they play within the garden ecosystem.

Designed as a simple, hands-on experience, the talk encourages children to engage directly with nature in an accessible and memorable way. 

Also on Saturday and Sunday, at 2:30p.m visitors can join the Easter explorer Irish bird and wildlife walk, a guided experience led by Andrew Malcolm, a birdwatcher, forager, and nature enthusiast from Lismore.

Families are invited to explore the living landscape of the gardens, from birdsong overhead to the insects and pollinators hidden within the planting.

Participants will learn to identify common Irish birds, gain insight into natural habitats, and discover how wildlife interacts with the gardens during spring.

Each walk is shaped by the conditions of the day, ensuring an experience for every group. 

Agri Aware

On Monday, April 6, Mount Congreve Gardens will host a special Easter Monday event from 11:00a.m to 4:00p.m, featuring Agri Aware’s mobile farm.

Hosted by farmer Tom Dunne, this calm and educational experience introduces children to Irish farm life through a small selection of animals, including a calf, sheep, goat, and pig.

Through relaxed demonstrations, families will learn about animal care and the role of farming in Irish food production.

The experience is designed with younger children in mind and emphasises animal welfare, with all interactions carefully managed.

Across the weekend, visitors are encouraged to take part in the best dressed competition, offering a chance to win a family membership each day.  

The estate’s playground and 16km of extensive walking routes provide additional opportunities for families to enjoy a full day outdoors.

All events include general admission to the gardens, with children under 16 enjoying free access to the gardens over the weekend.

Advance booking is required for limited capacity experiences such as the tadpole talk and the Easter explorer walk.

Visitors are advised to arrive 10 minutes before scheduled start times, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear suitable footwear.

Mount Congreve Gardens’ Easter programme reflects its commitment to creating meaningful, nature-based experiences for families, combining education, exploration and seasonal celebration in one of the country's most beautiful garden settings.