About Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is a peaceful woodland escape set beside the magnificent Emo Court Demesne in County Laois.
A special place to stay at Emo Court
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is a peaceful woodland escape set beside the magnificent Emo Court Demesne in County Laois.
Surrounded by mature woodland, beautiful gardens, lakeside walks and the historic landscape of Emo Court, the retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, switch off and enjoy this very special part of Ireland's Ancient East.
At the heart of the retreat is the traditional Gate Lodge cottage, complemented by three beautifully finished Shepherds' Huts — Beech, Oak and Willow — each thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, privacy and a memorable stay in the woodland surroundings.
Our Story
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat has grown from our love of Emo, its landscape and its heritage.
Having worked at Emo Court for many years through Emo Tea Rooms, we wanted to create somewhere that would allow visitors to stay longer, experience more of the area and enjoy the peace and beauty that makes Emo so special.
The original Gate Lodge has welcomed guests for a number of years, and the addition of Beech, Oak and Willow has allowed us to create a small, personal retreat where couples, families and friends can enjoy quality accommodation surrounded by nature.
Our aim has always been simple — to create somewhere we would genuinely enjoy staying ourselves.
Stay, Relax & Reconnect
A stay at Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is about more than simply having somewhere to sleep.
Spend the morning exploring the woodland walks, gardens and lake at Emo Court. Discover nearby heritage sites and the beautiful Laois countryside, or simply return to the retreat and enjoy some quiet time.
Guests can also book our private wellness experience, with a wood-fired hot tub, sauna and cold plunge — a peaceful space created for relaxing, recharging and reconnecting.
Rooted in Our Surroundings
We believe a special place deserves to be treated with care.
From the way the retreat has been developed to the way we welcome our guests, we have tried to work sensitively with the surrounding landscape and create accommodation that complements rather than competes with its setting.
Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat is small, personal and very much connected to Emo.
Whether you are joining us for a quiet weekend, a family break, a celebration or simply some time away from everyday life, we hope you leave feeling refreshed — and already looking forward to returning.
Words from our guests
Read what our guests have to say about their stays at Gate Lodge Woodland Retreat and their private wellness experiences.
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Lovely place to stay. The wellness package was really enjoyable — peaceful surroundings and wonderful host.”
Come for the stay. Leave feeling restored.
Choose a cabin to stay among the trees, or book a private wellness session — and give yourself time to slow down and breathe.