Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre, home to the Parsons family since 1620, is open all year round with guided castle tours from May to August and other times by prior arrangement.
Highlights include the Great Telescope, which was once the world’s largest, and galleries dedicated to astronomy and engineering. It is also home to the world’s oldest intact darkroom. The 120 acre park features over 5,000 plant species, award winning gardens and an adventure playground.
Conveniently located for groups traveling west or southwest Ireland, Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre has earned two Lonely Planet accolades. There is a café, a gift shop and parking available.
- See 'The Great Telescope' completed in 1845.
- Learn about the cutting edge LOFAR telescope and astrophysics projects of today.
- Stop off at the charming café.
- Admire the gardens and water features.
- Take a guided tour of the majestic 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. The 3 storey fairy tale treehouse is a touch of magic for the younger visitors.
