The Christmas Family of Waterford: A ROOTS Conversation with Julian Walton

What to expect

Despite the name, this ROOTS Conversation talk is not about the holiday. Local historian Julian Walton speaks about the Christmas family, a real Waterford family whose name is a genuine historical surname in the city, and their connections across several centuries to Waterford, to Mount Congreve itself, and to the wider south-east region. Walton is a well-known figure in Waterford local history circles, and the talk is illustrated, drawing on archive material to trace the family’s marriages, property and standing in the city over time. It is the kind of detail-rich local history session that suits genealogy researchers and anyone with a general interest in who actually owned and shaped Waterford’s landmarks.

Doors are from 10.30am, with the main conversation starting at 11am and running to around 12pm, followed by audience questions and a chance to speak with Walton directly at 12.15pm. After that, ticket holders can spend the rest of the afternoon in the gardens, the shop or the Stables Cafe. Tickets are €15 per person, capped at 90 attendees, and must be booked in advance through the Mount Congreve booking site since there is no option to pay on the door. Photography and video may be taken during the event for the venue’s own promotional use, so anyone who would rather not appear in photos should let staff know on arrival. The talk is indoors and not weather-dependent, running in mid-December when the gardens themselves are quiet.

Getting there

Mount Congreve is at Kilmeaden, roughly ten minutes’ drive west of Waterford city on the N25 towards Cork, with the turn for the gardens signed near Kilmeaden village. From Dungarvan, approach on the N25 heading east. Parking on site is free. The Waterford Greenway runs close by for anyone cycling in, and the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway stops at Kilmeaden station a short distance from the gardens. There is no direct public bus service to Mount Congreve, so visitors without a car should arrange a lift or taxi, particularly given the shorter daylight hours in December.