Emo Court to reopen this weekend

THE most popular visitor attraction in Laois will reopen to the public this weekend, following a major restoration project.

Magnificent Emo Court House will open its doors again on Saturday, with the completion of conservation works that began early last year.

Servants’ working quarters in the basement will open to the public for the first time, while ground floor rooms in the renowned Georgian mansion have been beautifully restored.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) said on social media today: ‘OPW Emo Court is delighted to announce that we are reopening this weekend. Upstairs: Grandeur, Guests and Gandon. Downstairs: Kitchens, Corridors and life behind the scenes.

‘Be among the first to see the beautifully restored rooms on the ground floor and explore the servants’ working quarters in the basement, now open to the public for the first time.’ 

Tours of the house, which was designed by noted architect James Gandon, will start from 1pm this Saturday, with tickets available on a first come, first served basis from the visitor hub.

The conservation project included preservation of the roof structures and renovation of flat roofs, preservation of the existing steel windows and restoration of the east and west wing roofs, together with repair of all natural slate.

The works also included repairs to the building’s stonework and preservation of chimney stacks.

The beautiful mansion and parklands welcomed 238,039 visitors in 2023, according to figures published by Fáilte Ireland. 

While the vast majority visited the popular parklands, which is a favourite walking and recreational spot for locals as well as tourists, it is hoped that the restoration works will boost tours of the mansion, which is one of only a few private country houses nationwide designed by Gandon.