Voted in the Top 10 Attractions
in Ireland 2022 & 2023
Welcome to Birr Castle Demesne
Birr Castle Demesne is set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this demesne boasts a rare collection of over 5000 species of trees and plants, an array of wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls, and lake. Choice of trails and an array of events hosted throughout the year.
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy, and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse.
What you can enjoy and explore during your visit 120 acres of parklands & gardens, one of Irelands most treasured plant collections, a variety of trails, the Great Telescope, the Lunar Heat Machine, one of the world’s oldest complete darkrooms with hologram, welcome videos, playground and Ireland's Historic Science Centre. Please note the treehouse is out of action for maintenance until further notice.
Suitable and enjoyed by nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, families, family groups, photographers, scientists, and historians.
Birr Castle Demesne is set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this demesne boasts a rare collection of over 5000 species of trees and plants, an array of wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls, and lake. Choice of trails and an array of events hosted throughout the year.
Key Attractions
Birr Castle Demesne is not just a historic landmark; it is a living testament to Ireland's cultural and scientific heritage. Whether exploring the castle's rich history, marveling at the wonders of the universe, or simply basking in the serenity of the gardens, visitors are sure to be captivated by the allure of this remarkable Demesne.
The Science Centre
The Historic Science Centre is very much worth a visit, the remarkable story of this unique site and family is revealed through the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy.
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Parklands and Gardens
The gardens are home to an abundance of rare plants, collected by the Earls of Rosse on their travels around the world over the last 150 years
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The Great Telescope
This Reflecting telescope remained the largest in the world for over 70 years. This ‘leviathan’ as it is named, remains in the centre of the Demesne as Ireland’s greatest scientific wonder and represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.
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The Castle
The castle as you see it today has been home to the Parsons family for over 400 years and during this time it has been added onto and each generation has made their mark
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Where Family Fun Meets Nature, Science & History!
The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Demesne in Ireland are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering, as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. Celebrating 400 years in 2021, this remarkable family have resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne, that is now home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. The Parsons family invite you to explore one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland. Created over generations it is an environmental and a scientific time capsule.
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Become A Friend of Birr Castle Demesne
By becoming a friend of Birr Castle Demesne, you are helping to preserve one of Ireland’s most extraordinary places. Created over 400 years, Birr Castle Demesne is an environmental and scientific time capsule, whilst continuing to live, breath and evolve into a place of beauty and inspiration.
Friends memberships are available for 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. We welcome individual and family memberships.
Membership benefits:
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Gift Card
Gift Cards can be used at Birr Castle Demesne for the purchase of Friends Membership, General Admission Tickets, Guided Tours and towards items in our Gift Shop.
Did You Know?
Discover intriguing facts and stories in our 'Did You Know?' unraveling hidden gems and enriching your knowledge journey.
3-Foot Telescope
Before building the Great Leviathan, the Third Earl of Rosse built a 3-foot (0.9m) telescope in 1839...
The beautiful Magnolia delavayi
The beautiful Magnolia delavayi located along the Castle’s terraces during the months of September and October...
The Formal Gardens
The Formal Gardens were created by the 6th Countess of Rosse Anne Messel. Lady Rosse designed...
Giant Redwood
Our Giant Redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) which can be found at the centre of the Formal Gardens...
Charles Parsons
The youngest son of the Third Earl, Charles Parsons was the inventor of the Marine Steam Turbine...
Wisteria
Our Wisteria is over 100 years old and blooms each year from mid May in the Formal Gardens...
Irelands Historic Science Centre
The science story is revealed through the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world famous Great Leviathan Telescope.
As you visit the Historic Science Centre you will discover astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s.
Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally belonging to Charles Parsons and used in his experiments as well as a large area devoted to the botanical work carried out in the Demesne.
