Emo Court and Estate
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
08:30 – 20:30
Emo Court and Estate
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
08:30 – 20:30
Emo Court is open for guided tours. Tour tickets available at our hub on arrival.
Parklands: Open daily.
Tearooms: Open daily.
Gardens: Open daily April - September.
Admission
Adult: €8.00
Group/Senior: €6.00
Child/Student: €4.00
Family: €20.00
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Emo Court and Estate
Emo Court is a quintessential neo-classical mansion, set in the midst of the ancient Slieve Bloom Mountains. The famous architect James Gandon, fresh from his work on the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin, set to work on Emo Court in 1790. However, the building that stands now was not completed until some 70 years later.
The estate was home to the earls of Portarlington until the War of Independence forced them to abandon Ireland for good. The Jesuits moved in some years later and, as the Novitiate of the Irish Province, the mansion played host to some 500 of the order’s trainees.
A Major Cholmeley-Harrison took over Emo Court in the 1960s and fully restored it. He opened the beautiful gardens and parkland to the public before finally presenting the entire estate to the people of Ireland in 1994.
Visitors to Emo Court can enjoy the lake and woodland walks or a meander through the gardens before relaxing in the charming tearooms
The house is currently being carefully and expertly restored by the OPW and will have new exhibits and displays to explore.
Gallery
Opening Times
Parklands open all year round with the exception of Christmas Day.
Emo Court is open for guided tours. Tour tickets available at our hub on arrival.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour
Notice
Lock up of the Parkland starts ½ hour before closing time stated in Seasonal Opening Times.
Please note that Visitors to the site who may require special assistance or those with mobility issues should contact the Emo Court and Parklands directly on +353 57 862 6573 in advance of their visit
Grounds: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times. No cycling on walkways. No fire lighting. No camping. No Barbeques.
During the winter season, Emo Court and Parklands may not open due to adverse weather conditions. In the event of bad weather, please phone +353 57 862 6573before commencing your journey to avoid disappointment and for up-to-date information. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Hazard Warning
Lake in parklands – deep water caution. Uneven terrain in parklands – suitable footwear required.
Seasonal Opening Times
- November, December, January
08:30 – 16:30
- March & October
08:30 – 18:30
- February
08:30- 17:30
- April & September
08:30 – 20:00
- May – August
08:30 – 21:00
Getting Here
2.5km from Emo. (Accessed from Kildare – Portlaoise Road – N7). 7km from the Portarlington train station.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Café
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Picnic Area
- Toilets
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
Nearby sites to visit
Emo Court and Estate
Heywood Gardens
Discover a tranquil and romantic hillside landscape
Approx. 25.5 km from Emo Court and Estate
Dunmore Cave
A unique attraction where history and geology merge
Approx. 41.6 km from Emo Court and Estate
Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/Black Mills
A place of medieval might and eighteenth-century elegance
Approx. 43.6 km from Emo Court and Estate
