Emo Court
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
08:30 – 20:30
Limited Access
COVID-19
Following the Taoiseach's announcement, Friday 7 August 2020, please note the following:
Emo Court Parklands are open from 08:30 to last entrance at 20:30
Tea/Coffee & light snacks are available from CaToCa's takeaway unit located outside the tearooms.
Enjoy your visit and walk with nature and abide by COVID-19 guidelines.
Admission
Admission is free for 2020 due to works taking place at the site.
Emo Court
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.
You can now enjoy a tour of the house before relaxing in its charming tearoom. The gardens are a model of neo-classical landscape design, with formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks just waiting to be explored.
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all year round with the exception of Christmas Day.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour
Seasonal Opening Times
- January, February, November, December
08:30 – 16:30
- March & October
08:30 – 17:00
- April & September
08:30 – 19:00
- May – August
08:30 – 20:30
Notice
Please note: The house at Emo Court will not open to visitors in 2020 due to restoration works but will reopen in 2021 with an enhanced visitor offering.
During 2020, the parklands at Emo Court will be open as usual, free of charge, with the same seasonal opening hours.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Contact
Emo
Co. Laois
R32 C44V
057 862 6573
emocourt@opw.ie
Facilities
Restrictions
Nearby sites to visit
Emo Court
Heywood Gardens
Discover a tranquil and romantic hillside landscape
Approx. 25.4 km from Emo Court
Dunmore Cave
A unique attraction where history and geology merge
Approx. 41.4 km from Emo Court
Roscrea Heritage Centre – Roscrea Castle and Damer House
A place of medieval might and eighteenth-century elegance
Approx. 43.8 km from Emo Court