Huge drop in visitor numbers to Emo Court in Laois

Two of Laois' tourist attractions where visitor numbers are counted, have shown a drop in numbers.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has released new figures of visitors to 90 of its heritage sites around Ireland.

In Laois only two of the county's attractions are listed, and there is a huge drop shown for Emo Court Parklands and House.

The drop might be a surprise for many given the popularity of Emo Court, but it could be down to the fact that the house has been closed to tours for some time, during restoration works.

Emo Court - Parklands and House had 238,039 recorded visits in 2023, but 151,027 in 2024.

The estate has been receiving major investment by the OPW in the restoration of the house and gardens in recent years, including the addition of new bus and car parking, outdoor dining tables and new toilets. 

The Rock of Dunamase had 48,832 visitors in 2023, down slightly to 47,123 in 2024. It is poised to also get major investment, in the form of a new carpark to be installed by Laois County Council. 

The OPW announced this March that 13.8m visitors visited its heritage sites in 2024.

The OPW is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating 780 heritage sites. The OPW conserves and protects the nation’s built heritage whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with the Ireland’s heritage.

Through its expert guiding service, the OPW ensures that Ireland's history is brought to life for visitors through carefully curated and engaging visitor experiences.

Dublin Castle received the highest volume of ticketed visitors, with the increase attributed to greater visitor interest in the State Apartments and exhibitions. A larger number of visitors also attended education, outreach and events programmes in 2024.

Dublin Castle was followed by Kilkenny Castle,theRock of Cashel, Kilmainham Gaoland Dun Aonghasa.  

The 2024 data highlights continued visitor engagement with Ireland’s historic castles, monuments and green recreational spaces across the country. The data shows the top heritage locations in each of two categories: Paid Visitor attractions and Free Access Sites.

In the South East, The John F Kennedy Arboretum saw a 22% increase in visitors, attributed in part to the diverse and engaging array of visitor events and activities on site. An increase of 21% at the stunning Kilmacurragh Gardens, Co Wicklow is demonstrative of the public’s continued interest in seeking out a connection with nature and Ireland’s unique flora.

On the west coast, the Blasket Island Visitor Centre/ Ionad an Bhlascaoid, recipient of the CIE Visitor Experience Award in 2024, continued its upward trend of increasing visitor numbers with a 26% increase on the previous year.

In the North-West, Donegal Castle saw a 15% uplift in visitor volumes, attributed in part to the central role the castle played in local 550^th anniversary events schedule in the local community.

In the Midlands, Corlea Trackway Co Longford saw a significant uplift of 35% in visitors in 2024, with more families taking the opportunity to visit this ancient heritage site as part of their holiday to nearby Center Parcs.  Corlea will benefit from €262k of Just Transition Funding this year, for the development of a feasibility project of the site’s interactions with the wider destination including developments along the canals and the neighbouring peatlands.

In Leinster, the Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge Estate saw a 10% increase in visitors, supported by the reopening of the Obelisk Bridge last summer and the introduction of three new outdoor events. This site will benefit from Shared Island funding with an integrated design team to be appointed this year.

Commenting on the publication of 2024 Visitor Data, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:

“From medieval castles to ancient monuments - the continued investment by the State in our rich and unique heritage portfolio is essential for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage”. 

"We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. We work hard to conserve and protect them, and present them to public.  I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds. 

“We look forward to opening the magnificent Barryscourt Castle in Co Cork next month, and the re-opening of Emo Court Co Laois and Ormond Castle Co Tipperary will also bolster visitor volumes in their respective areas.” 

“Our heritage sites are an important part of our national identity and shared history and offer a unique insight into the lives and stories of our ancestors. Whether you are interested in ancient monuments, historic houses, gardens, or museums, there is something for everyone to explore and appreciate”.

A diverse and engaging events schedule will run across the heritage sites in 2025; from children’s workshops in Custom House, Dublin to an informative biodiversity walk in Parkes Castle Co Leitrim. Irish Sign language tours will take place at a number of sites throughout the season and there will be a host of events celebrating various aspects of our cultural heritage throughout the season. The OPW have complied an itinerary planner for visitors which is available at Itineraries | Heritage Ireland

 For more information on the heritage sites and information on planning your visit, please visit heritageireland.ie