Emo Court House — Attraction in The Municipal District of Graiguecullen — Portarlington

Finally after 6 long years the house is back open to the public. Well done to the OPW for all their work and effort to restore this James Gandon designed architectural masterpiece and offer the public the opportunity to explore and bask in it's might. True to Gandon's signature style, the Rotunda of the building is it's crowing glory, it has that wow factor as everyone who participated in the tour ascertained as we gaped at its splendour and magnificene with vocal approval and appreciation. The attention to detail in both the architecture and various art pieces and heirlooms that caught my eye the most. It's amazing that the OPW put an effort into the restoration of the basement and bringing the 'servants' quarters and work spaces to life, often overlooked in grand tours.

Well done to Frances for her insight and warmth throughout the tour, míle buíochas ó mo chroí. And a shout out to the dude working at the front desk, he was very courteous and friendly.

The current tour offering is in its infancy, as the house is not long re-opened. There are some creases to iron out I'm sure but for a new venture on the OPW circuit of grand homes, this is a delight.

Tours are offered on the hour and last an hour, covering the first floor and basement. I would have loved to get into the grand library, however restoration works are still being carried out in there. Maybe in time the upstairs will...

Large parking area,very expanded outdoor seating area,for either self catering or in cafe. Walk around the whole park and the lake takes about an hour,depending on your ability. A walled garden along the way . Beautiful lawn with lots of fruit trees,but sadly not too well kept the herb and flower beds. Hope it is improved. Especially perhaps by pointing out where a glass house,underground heating pipes etc could be if historic interest. About half of the walk covered with very sharp pointed ,rough gravel,could be difficult for some wheelchair users. But plenty of benches along the way. The waterlevel of the lake was very low ,so most of the times one could only see the reeds. But again,plenty of beautiful trees to look at,watching wildlife,even some herons. No bans on walking on grass or sitting on it,great playground for the children so. The area is so vast,the paths very wide and cleared,that social distancing no problem at all. The cafe staff very friendly and helpful. Cold and hot beverages ,meals,salads. Very tasty,glutenfree and other dietary options clearly signed out and plenty choices available. The seating and all handling of services very good organised and safe. Toilets very clean. As only the tour in Emo house had to be payed,a great day for any outing,small groups and families....

A gem location to visit for free gentle walks through parkland and it's associated meandering woodlands & beautiful lake. Has well presented formal garden areas to rear of the house including a quiet understated walled garden some distance away. Although the James Gandon neoclasdical designed mansion is under reconstruction by OPW & not open to the public at present, you can get a sense of it's history just being close up. Kudos to the reception staff at visitor's centre who filled me in on the history of the estate. I was always intrigued by the name "Emo" as not a typical Irish placename but was sure it had nothing to do with "Nemo" the fish or Emus! Turns out it is an Anglicised version from Irish "Ioma", meaning 'bed or resting-place' or locally interpreted as the "plain beside the woods". Was on our bucket list of Heritage sites to visit so stopped off on way back from Dublin (signposted from Exits 15 or 16). The tea room & garden seating is a must stop. I was amazed at the selection of food on offer. So if you want a quality place to have a light lunch & enjoy relaxing surroundings, Emo is the place to head. It's also a place apart from the hussle & bussle of Jn 14 off road service station...