Emo gardens is a wonderful place to spend the day. I have been up there a few times this year trying to locate the best spot to photograph the red squirrels Yes the red ones. After a few visits one spot looked promising as I had seen 10 or so squirrels in one spot. Early one morning I settle in waiting for them. As with nature it never does what you want the little buggers were running up and down other trees to far away for the camera. I swear one even gave me the finger and laughed. Defeated I decided to try out the little café in the Gardens. I was impressed. Lately I have noticed that the OPW has not been great in its selection of restauranteurs. This is a little gem among them, reasonably priced, good selection. Friendly staff and most of all good food. Well worth a visit for lunch if you are around. The entrance to the grounds is free which helps. Sure a nice walk around the lake will get rid of the calories, who knows if you keep an eye out you will surely see the beautiful red squirrel