Barrow Drive

Emo

Emo Court and Gardens are located in the charming rural village of Emo, five miles east of Mountmellick. They are one of the major tourist attractions of this region and are open to the public. Emo Court, one of the finest stately homes in these islands was designed, in 1790, by well known architect James Gandon, who also designed the Custom House in Dublin. It is a magnificent example of the neo-classical style and was built as a home for the Earls of Portarlington. The Jesuit Priests and, C.D. Chomeley-Harrison were subsequent owners.

The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, which were first laid out in the 18th Century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many fine trees and shrubs. The house and gardens were taken into state ownership in 1994.

Coolbanagher

Coolbanagher is situated adjacent to Emo. The area has a connection with early Irish ecclesiastical history dating from the 8th Century. The ruins of the old medieval church of Coolbanagher visible in the Graveyard are associated with St. Aengus of Culdee. Nearby are the ruins of Coolbanagher Castle.

James Gandon designed the 19th Century church of St. John the Evangelist in Coolbanagher which contains a Dawson mausoleum.

Other places of interest locally include Shaen Castle and the Hartpole Tower House.

Vicarstown

An attractive village on the Grand Canal, Vicarstown is a useful base for walking, cycling, boating and fishing. It is situated 12 miles south east of Mountmellick. Buildings of interest include the 1860’s Gratton School and Gratton Lodge which was built in 1882 by Henry Grattan’s granddaughter, Pauline Grattan-Bellew.

Portarlington

On the border of counties Laois and Offaly lies the lively town of Portarlington. Its history dates to the latter half of the 17th Century when it became a thriving colony of French-Huguenots. Their influence is still evident in the numerous instances of French architecture. One of the best examples is the Protestant St. Paul’s Church, often referred to as "the French church" which illustrates the ties that still exist between Portarlington and France. Portarlington was founded in 1666 by Sir Henry Bennett, Lord Arlington. After the Jacobite wars, the lands were given to General Rouvigney, Earl of Galway who unleashed a new life into the town by establishing the Huguenot colony and opening classical English and French schools. The Rouvigney estate passed to the Dawson family in the late 19th Century and modern Portarlington is essentially the creation of the Dawson family.

In the 1700’s Portarlington was renowned for the work of its silver smiths.

During the 18th Century, the public Classical Schools of Portarlington were well known as centres of learning and the town grew to be a place of considerable social prestige.

Garryhinch

Three miles to the north of Mountmellick lies Garryhinch Woods, a pleasant picnic location, with riverbank and woodland walks. The name Garryhinch translates as Garrdha Hinse or "Garden on the River. Nearby is Portarlington Golf Course, a magnificent 18 hole course which compares very favourably with the best course in the country. Wildlife including deer, pheasant and mallard duck wander on the course and in the woods, while the River Barrow borders the back nine.