Exploring Knowledge at Birr Castle Demesne

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.

We aim to bring the story of the Parsons family to life and inspire students in their exploration of science, astronomy, engineering and biodiversity through a wide selection of curriculum-linked sessions. Discover our lively, interactive learning opportunities here at Birr Castle Demesne.

Tour Options for Primary Schools

Red Tree Trails

Self-Guided Tour

Includes access to 120 acres of Parklands, the Great Telescope, Ireland's Historic Science Centre, I-LOFAR Telescope & Ireland's Tallest Treehouse.

Choose from one of our exciting trails:

  • Bird Spotting (outdoor)
  • The Quest (outdoor)
  • The Gallery Challenge (indoor)
  • X-trail Solar trail (outdoor)

For trail suitability, please email education@birrcastle.com

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

€7.00 per student

Self-Guided Tour & train ride

Upgrade your school visit with a 20-minute journey aboard the Birr Castle Discovery Train, offering students an glimpse of the demesne with views of the exterior of the Castle, formal gardens and the Great Leviathan Telescope.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

€10.00 per student

Tour Options for Post Primary Schools

Kids Trail Questions The Great Telescope

Self-Guided Tour with Trail

Includes access to 120 acres of Parklands, the Great Telescope, Ireland's Historic Science Centre & the I-LOFAR Telescope.

Choose from one of our exciting trails:

  • The Engineering Trail (outdoor)
  • The Gallery Challenge (indoor)
  • X-trail Solar trail (outdoor)
  • The Red Tree Trail (outdoor)

For trail suitability, please email education@birrcastle.com

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

€7.00 per student

Kids Walking Towards Telescope

Guided Discovery Tour

Our experienced tour guide will take your students on a fascinating 60-minute outdoors discovery tour, which will include the history of the castle, the Great Telescope, the Steam Turbine invented by Charles Parsons, and the state-of-the-art I-LOFAR telescope. After the tour, students will have access to the Science Galleries.

Student numbers and times must be agreed in advance.

Price includes guided tour and access to the demesne.

€9.00 per student

Self-Guided Tour & train ride

Upgrade your school visit with a 20-minute journey aboard the Birr Castle Discovery Train, offering students an glimpse of the demesne with views of the exterior of the Castle, formal gardens and the Great Leviathan Telescope.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

€10.00 per student

Explore Our Videos to Resources and Wildlife

Ecology and Pond Dipping at Birr Castle Demesne - Catherine McGuinness

Ecology and Pond Dipping at Birr Castle Demesne - Catherine McGuinness

X-Trails-Solar-Trail-at-Birr-Castle-Demesne

X-Trails Solar Trail at Birr Castle Demesne

Biodiversity-at-Birr-Castle-Demesne-Dr.-Alex

Biodiversity at Birr Castle Demesne - Dr. Alex Copeland