Attractions

We will happily organise transport to & from any  local attractions given advance notice

Emo Court & Gardens

Emo Court was designed by James Gandon in 1790 for the Earl of Portarlington and is one of the finest Stately Homes in these Islands.  It is a magnificent example of the Neo-classical style.  The house is open for guided tours from June to September by appointment.  Laid out in the late 1700's the gardens of Emo Court are known for sweeping formal lawns, statuary, exotic shrubs and fine trees.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of walking routes through the woodlands.  the gardens are  open during daylight hours all year round. 

Contact Emo Court on 05786-26573 for further details.

Rock of Dunamaise

The Rock of Dunamaise is one of the great monuments and fortresses of Ireland. It towers over Portlaoise / Stradbally road offering breathtaking views of the county.  Due to its great vantage point, people built fortresses here as early as 140A.D.  In the mid-800s, Vikings pillaged an early christian settlement on this spot.  A later fortress was part of the dowry of Aoife, daughter of the Leinster King Dermot Mc Murragh, when she was given in marraige to the Norman conqueror Strongbow in 1170.

Coolbanagher Church

This is the  late eighteenth-century church of Saint John the Evangelist.  It is the only church built by the world famous architect James Gandon.  This church still houses its original plans, a fifteenth-century font and urns designed by Gandon himself but which were only recently moulded and inserted.  Located in Coolbanagher, Emo this church is only 0.8kms from Emo Court.

*** For details on more  tourists attractions, please contact reception.  We will be happy to help.