Emo Court
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
08:30 – 20:30
Emo Court
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
08:30 – 20:30
Limited Access
Parklands Open daily
Tearooms Open daily
Gardens Open daily April- September
House currently closed for restoration works
Admission
From 1 January 2022:
Adult: €8.00
Group/Senior: €6.00
Child/Student: €4.00
Family: €20.00
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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.
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
Open all year round with the exception of Christmas Day.
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour
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
Notice
Please note: The house at Emo Court is currently closed for restoration works .
Apologies for any inconvenience.
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.
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
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Picnic Area
- Toilets
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
