Mount Congreve Gardens, sat in County Waterford overlooking the River Suir, has released its plans to restore the site’s Chinese Pagoda.

Originally commissioned by Ambrose Congreve in the late 1970s, the pagoda is inspired by his travels throughout Asia. Following decades of exposure to elements, the pagoda is to undergo a conservation project to not only restore the structure itself, but to preserve the story behind its creation.

The restoration will be led and developed by Mount Congreve Gardens in partnership with the Irish Follies Trust. Support and guidance will also come from conservation specialists and the heritage and conservation teams of Waterford City and County Council.

Sara Dolan, chief executive of the gardens, comments:

“The Chinese Pagoda represents Ambrose Congreve’s deep curiosity about the world and his desire to create moments of surprise, beauty and discovery throughout the gardens. It is a unique and much-loved feature of the estate and an important part of Mount Congreve’s evolving story.

“This restoration is about preserving that vision for future generations while also celebrating the craftsmanship, creativity and international influences that shaped the gardens we see today.”

Visitors will be able to follow the restoration journey through new interpretation panels at the pagoda site, digital storytelling initiatives and wider public engagement activity across the estate.