The Servants' Basement
Part of the same tour drops below stairs into the atmospheric basement, where displays tell the stories and working lives of the servants who ran the house. The old kitchen is a highlight.
Emo Court House
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About
A James Gandon neo-classical mansion at the heart of a 1,000-acre Laois demesne, with restored period rooms, a servants' basement and free parkland walks around a lake.
Things to Do
Formal Gardens
Clipped lawns, borders and walkways laid out to frame Gandon's facade, a short level stroll from the house. Free to visit with the parklands.
Neo-classical Architecture
The rotunda and its dome are the set-piece of the house's classical design, begun by Gandon in 1790 and not completed until some 70 years later.
Guided House Tour
A 60-minute guided tour of the beautifully restored ground-floor period rooms, beginning in the Entrance Hall and rotunda. Tours run to a set daily calendar; book online, or take a first-come walk-in ticket at the door.
Parkland, Lake and Woodland Walks
Paths loop through the demesne to a lake and woodland. Parklands open every day except Christmas Day; note deep water at the lake and uneven ground, so wear sturdy footwear.
Tearooms and Picnic Area
Finish with tea and cake in the on-site tearooms, or bring your own food to the picnic area. Toilets, baby-changing and a gift shop sit beside the house.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: House: 17 March – 4 November 2026, daily 9:00-17:00 (guided tours only; last admission 1 hour before closing). Parklands: open all year except Christmas Day, 08:30 to a seasonal close (Jan & Nov-Dec 16:30, Feb 17:30, Mar & Oct 18:30, Apr & Sep 20:00, May-Aug 21:00); lock-up starts half an hour before closing.
- Admission: Adults €8.00, child/student €4.00, senior/group €6.00, family €20.00.
- Parking: A car park is available on site (Google records it as free), with bicycle parking also listed.
- Food: On-site tearooms/café (Google also lists a tearoom and gift shop). No café menu or hours are published on the site.
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