The South East:Layout 1 02/05/2007 14:33 Page 87
DURROW
Restored to Co. Laois in 1846 after a period where it was made part
of Kilkenny by the Ormondes, this former Norman borough town
features a fine suite of buildings around the village green under the
gates and battlement wall. The 18th century castle here is one of the
last large pre-Palladian houses to be built in Ireland. The nearby Leafy
Loop – a 14-mile series of way-marked walking routes around the town
– features riverside paths, leafy forest tracks, open farmland,
numerous historic sites and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Located
close to Durrow in the village of Attanagh is the Irish Fly-Fishing and
Game-Shooting Museum, which is home to Ireland’s most extensive
collection of fishing and hunting memorabilia. Tel: (0502) 36112.
EMO
The late 18th century village of Emo originally sprang up around the
gates of Emo Court. The recently renovated New Inn dates from the
village’s foundation, as does the Gothic Catholic Church, which
contains the tomb of Lady Portarlington with its recumbent effigy by
Boehm. The nearby Gothic church of St. John’s is also worth a visit.
Emo Court was designed in 1790 by architect James Gandon for the
first Earl of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of the neo-
classical style. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and
parklands that date from the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a
lake and woodland walks, with many fine specimens of trees and
shrubs. The Wellingtonia Avenue (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is a
renowned feature of this impressive site. Access to the house is by
guided tour only and tours of the gardens can be arranged by prior
booking. The house is open mid-June to mid-September, while the
gardens are open year round. Tel: (0502) 26573 or during winter you
can phone Kilkenny Castle, Tel: (056) 772 1450, for information.
guestrooms accommodation
The Gandon Inn Hotel, Emo, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Tel: (057) 862
6622; Fax: (057) 862 6621; Email:
gandoninn@eircom.net; Web:
www.gandoninn.com. The Gandon Inn Hotel is a handsome restored
Or contact Laois Tourism,
Laois County Council
Tel: 00353 57 86 64132
Web:
www.laoistourism.ie
the south east 87
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