IT’S a little known fact that a Waterford man was an inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond. True, Ambrose Congreve wasn’t your typical Deise resident, and truth be told 007 was an amalgamation of real-life characters. But the seventh and last generation of Congreve was a spy and international man of mystery before his death in 2011.

While he roomed with Fleming in Eton and pumped countless millions into good causes, it’s his estate of woodland, walkways and gardens in Kilmeaden where his legacy endures. U2’s Adam Clayton and Diarmuid Gavin are among the keen horticulturists who’ve made the pilgrimage to one of the great gardens of the world at Mount Congreve since it was opened to the public in 2012. Before them, the then Prince Charles and another Charlie – Haughey – were the type of guest Ambrose Congreve hosted.

Set overlooking the River Suir, it’s home to 16,000 flowers, plants and trees of every hue, full of trails and walkways for the family to explore. Even if you don’t know your rhododendrons from your magnolias, you’ll be blown away by the spectacular visuals. It was Ambrose who transformed the estate into what it is now once he inherited it in the 1960s, dying fittingly aged 104 at the Chelsea Flower Show.

It was only after his death that his work on behalf of the crown came to light. Growing in popularity every year, Mount Congreve is becoming a must-see on any tour of the south east and family tickets (two adults and two children) are €3.