Explore Birr Castle Demesne, it's the home of the Parsons family descended from the Earl of Rosse. See the stunning gardens with roses, wisteria, magnolias and towering box hedges. Bask in spectacular views of the castle from the outdoor terraces and check out the water features with a lake, waterfall and rivers dotted throughout the grounds.
Visit the Historic Science Centre and view the Great Telescope, built by the Third Earl of Rosse and still functioning today. When completed in 1845, the Birr Castle Great Telescope was the largest telescope on earth, capable of seeing further into space than any telescope had done before.
The Castle tour includes a one hour guided tour of the reception rooms of Birr Castle with access to the Science Centre, the Great Telescope and the gardens.
- See 'The Great Telescope'.
- Stop off at the charming café.
- Admire the glorious water features.
- Take a guided tour of the castle.
The gardens at Birr Castle Demesne were the first in Ireland to receive specimens of dawn redwood after its discovery in China in 1945. Wander around the glorious gardens and spot these majestic trees.