Gate Lodge
Our original historic cottage at the entrance to Emo Court Demesne — a warm and romantic retreat surrounded by mature woodland.
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Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat
A peaceful escape at Emo Court Demesne
Welcome
Slow down among the trees
A historic Gate Lodge and three beautifully crafted shepherd’s huts, nestled within the peaceful surroundings of Emo Court Demesne — with a private wellness experience designed for rest, relaxation and time away from the everyday.
Welcome
A special place to stay at Emo Court Demesne
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat offers something a little different — a historic cottage and three beautifully designed shepherd’s huts in the peaceful surroundings of Emo Court Demesne.
Wake to the sounds of the woodland, take a walk through the grounds of Emo Court, explore the formal gardens and lake, or enjoy something to eat nearby in Emo village.
For an extra opportunity to unwind, our private wellness experience offers exclusive use of the wood-fired hot tub, sauna and cold plunge.
Whether you are visiting as a couple, family or small group, this is a place to enjoy the surroundings, relax and make yourself at home.
Find Your Stay
Four unique places to stay
Each stay has its own feel. Choose from our historic Gate Lodge or one of three beautifully crafted shepherd’s huts — Oak, Beech and Willow — all set peacefully among the trees at Emo Court Demesne.
Oak
A beautifully crafted shepherd’s hut nestled among mature trees, sleeping up to five guests with a private double bedroom and comfortable open-plan living and sleeping area.
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Willow
A peaceful and accessible shepherd’s hut sleeping up to five guests, with step-free access and a lit pathway.
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Beech
A beautifully crafted shepherd’s hut tucked among the trees, sleeping up to five guests with a private double bedroom and comfortable open-plan sleeping area.
Explore this stayPrivate Wellness
Time to relax and unwind
Enjoy a private 90-minute wellness experience with exclusive use of our wood-fired hot tub, wood-fired sauna and cold plunge, surrounded by the tranquillity of the woodland. Book your private session on its own or add it to your stay.
Private 90-minute session: €80 · Advance booking is essential.
The Setting
Discover Emo Court Demesne
One of the great pleasures of staying at Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is everything waiting just beyond your door. Explore Emo Court, wander through its formal gardens and parklands, walk around the lake and enjoy the mature woodland that surrounds the retreat. Emo village is also within walking distance, with Emo Tea Rooms, Batoni’s Italian Restaurant and The Gate House pub nearby. And when you return, your own peaceful retreat is waiting.
Location
In the heart of County Laois
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is located at Emo Court Demesne, Emo, Co. Laois, making it easy to reach while still feeling a world away from everyday life.
- Approximately 1 hour from Dublin
- Approximately 15 minutes from Kildare Village
- Approximately 15 minutes from Portlaoise
It is also ideally placed for discovering more of Ireland’s Ancient East and the surrounding Midlands.
View contact & locationGuest Experiences
Words from our guests
Read what our guests have to say about their stays at Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat and their private wellness experiences.
4.8 / 5• 160+ Airbnb reviews
“We had an incredible stay at Emo Gate Lodge and couldn't fault a thing. Four adults slept comfortably, and the lodge had everything we needed. The attention to detail was amazing, and the beds were so comfortable. We loved it so much that we extended our stay by an extra night! We enjoyed the Gate Lodge Spa Experience on all three days — the wood-fired hot tub, sauna and cold plunge were pure bliss.”
Katie
Oak Shepherds Hut
Airbnb
August 2026
“Honestly, some places are remembered for what you do there, others are remembered for how they make you feel. Elizabeth's place gave us a sense of calm that made it easy to slow down & simply breathe. We have created new memories we'll carry with us for a very long time.”
Keith
Gate Lodge Cottage
Airbnb
July 2026
“Second time staying at the Gate Lodge. Fantastic stay, the accommodation has everything you need for a comfortable break. Perfect spot to unwind and relax in the onsite facilities — hot tub, sauna and plunge baths are superb. Location is ideal with Emo Court right on your doorstep. Cannot recommend highly enough!”
Grainne
Gate Lodge Cottage
Airbnb
July 2026
“Really relaxing lovely stay in the heart of Ireland. Easy to get to major towns/city. Recommend the hot tub/sauna add on option. So relaxing, romantic and ran well by the host. Home was clean, welcoming and we would stay again.”
Moya
Gate Lodge Cottage
Airbnb
August 2026
“We stayed for 2 nights at one of the shepherd huts, 'Oak', the hut easily fit 2 kids and 2 adults. It is beautifully designed, well equipped and a 20 min walk from Emo Park! We loved spending our cozy nights making s'mores in the yard, going on walks in the woods and discovering the estate.”
Stanela
Oak Shepherds Hut
Airbnb
August 2026
“Such a lovely place. The hut has everything you need for a short stay. The hut is nestled in the most serene spot. Truly lovely. Would definitely book again.”
Bairbre
Beech Shepherds Hut
Airbnb
August 2026
“We stayed with our 2 sons for Forest Fest. Perfect location. Very comfortable, clean and functional accommodation. Elizabeth and Kevin were wonderful to deal with, always responding quickly during booking stage and while we were there.”
Niamh
Willow Shepherds Hut
Airbnb
July 2026
“Lovely place to stay. The wellness package was really enjoyable — peaceful surroundings and wonderful host.”
Colin
Gate Lodge Cottage
Airbnb
August 2026
Begin Your Retreat
Your stay at Emo Court Demesne awaits
Choose the historic Gate Lodge or one of our three shepherd’s huts — Oak, Beech or Willow — and enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by the beauty of Emo Court Demesne. Add a private wellness session for an extra opportunity to relax and unwind.