Emo Court and Parklands shine for 2022 season as Minister O’Donovan launches new visitor facilities
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on: 21 May 2022
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
On a day of great excitement and expected record visitor numbers at Emo Court and Parklands, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, today (21 May) officially launches a suite of new visitor facilities. They are key in enabling visitors to enjoy both large-scale family events like SHINE and more intimate cultural events from this season onwards.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has invested significantly in Emo Court, delivering on its ambition to place this magnificent example of James Gandon’s neo-classical architecture firmly on the map of Irish and foreign visitors. The new visitor hub, picnic area, new car park, improved path network, improvements to the lake, and the renovated Walled Garden provide the frame for an enhanced and enjoyable experience from the moment visitors arrive on site.
The new amenities also allow the OPW to offer visitors and the local community a noteworthy calendar of events that promises entertainment for all tastes throughout the summer, which includes – in addition to the athletic competition held there today – theatre, musical, contemporary art exhibitions and recitals in different locations on the estate.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister O’Donovan said:
“The completion of a whole range of new facilities in the grounds of Emo Court is a great milestone in preserving and enhancing this special place. Today is an excellent showcase of how this site is thriving as a destination from the strategic investments we have made and, in turn, benefitting the local community and businesses. People from all corners of Ireland have come here to either watch or actively participate in the major athletic competition organised by Emo GAA Club and Laois Chamber of Commerce, local businesses are taking the opportunity to display their products and services, and families are enjoying a great day out that takes in everything Emo Court and Parklands have to offer.”
He continued:
“Of course, our work here continues and the next phase will tackle the restoration of the roof. Although it is only in the preliminary stages, once completed, it will be another important step towards protecting the historic main house for future generations.”
ENDS
Photography from the launch will be available from Maxwell Photography office@maxwellphotography.ie
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Notes
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.
In the 1960s, Major Cholmeley-Harrison took over Emo Court 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. The house is currently being carefully and expertly restored by the OPW and will have new exhibits and displays to explore.
Listing information
Exhibition title: Ellie Dunne: Exhibition of Abstract Art
Location: CaToCa Tea Rooms, Emo Court, Emo, Co. Laois
Dates & Times: 4 April to 29 May 2022
Times: Open Monday to Sunday (10am to 6pm)
Admission: Free
Website: www.elliedunneart.com
Theatre: Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents “Pride and Prejudice”
Location: Walled Garden at Emo Court
Date & Time: 17 June 2022 at 7 pm
Admission: Adult €22, Child €14, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) €64
Tickets: https://www.seetickets.com
Concert: Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents “21st Century ABBA ”
Location: Walled Garden at Emo Court
Date & Time: 26 June 2022 at 7 pm
Admission: Adult €30, Child €20, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) €90
Tickets: https://www.seetickets.com