Emo House and Gardens

Emo Court is a country villa designed by James Gandon in 1790 for John Dawson, the first Earl of Portarlington. Gandon is best known for the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin, and the house is a fine example of the neo-classical style. It is a thirty minute drive from the castle.

It is surrounded by gardens and parkland, with a lake and woodland walks.

When the last of the Portarlingtons left Emo Court in 1920 the house fell into decline. The Jesuits purchased it in 1930 and used it as a seminary. There are daily guided tours around the house.