The Birr Castle
Christmas Express 2025

Step aboard the new Birr Castle Christmas Express and embark on a magical festive journey through the enchanting grounds of Birr Castle Demesne. Your adventure begins with a visit to Mrs. Claus in her cosy kitchen, where children can enjoy freshly baked cookies, before continuing on to meet Santa in the warm, glowing surroundings of the castle.

Along the way, families can enjoy festive crafts, heartwarming Christmas movies, and an exciting trail through the Science Galleries. With surprises, sparkle, and festive magic at every turn, this is a Christmas experience the whole family will treasure forever.

Pre-booking for this event is essential.

Check In

Begin your magical adventure at the Visitor Centre, where our cheerful festive elves will greet you and present your magical ticket for the journey ahead!

Christmas Activities

While waiting for your train, get into the Christmas spirit by watching a heartwarming Christmas movie or joining in some creative Christmas crafts in the Copper Tree Gallery.

All Aboard!

Hop on the Birr Castle Christmas Express and enjoy a magical train journey through the enchanting grounds of Birr Castle Demesne.

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen

When you arrive at the castle, step inside Mrs. Claus’s cosy kitchen, where she’ll be baking cookies and sharing wonderful Christmas stories.

Meet Santa

Finish your magical adventure by meeting Santa Claus himself by the warm fireside — a perfect moment for Christmas memories and smiles all around!

1. Check In

Begin your magical adventure at the Visitor Centre, where our cheerful festive elves will greet you and present your magical ticket for the journey ahead!

2. Christmas Activities

While waiting for your train, get into the Christmas spirit by watching a heartwarming Christmas movie or joining in some creative Christmas crafts in the Copper Tree Gallery.

3. All Aboard!

Hop on the Birr Castle Christmas Express and enjoy a magical train journey through the enchanting grounds of Birr Castle Demesne.

4. Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen

When you arrive at the castle, step inside Mrs. Claus’s cosy kitchen, where she’ll be baking cookies and sharing wonderful Christmas stories.

5. Meet Santa

Finish your magical adventure by meeting Santa Claus himself by the warm fireside — a perfect moment for Christmas memories and smiles all around!

Before You Visit:

Arrival

Please arrive 20 minutes before your designated ticket time to allow for check in and to collect train ticket

Tickets

It is not essential to print your ticket. You can produce it on your mobile device on the day.

Clothing/Footwear

Some of this event is based outdoors so please dress appropriately on the day.

Buggies

Buggies are prohibited on the train but we do have a storage area on-site until the end of the event.

More to see & Do

Visitors onsite prior to 16:00 each day can visit the demesne, including the Great Telescope, 120 acres of gardens and parklands and the playground.  (Please be aware that the treehouse is undergoing renovation at this time)

Refreshments

Upon your arrival, be sure to collect your festive refreshment voucher at the welcome desk—our little way of spreading some Christmas cheer and ensuring you enjoy a warm treat during the celebration!

Arrival

Please arrive 20 minutes before your designated ticket time to allow for check in and to collect train ticket

Tickets

It is not essential to print your ticket. You can produce it on your mobile device on the day.

Clothing/Footwear

Some of this event is based outdoors so please dress appropriately on the day.

Buggies​

Buggies are prohibited on the train but we do have a storage area on-site until the end of the event.

More to see & Do

Visitors onsite prior to 16:00 each day can visit the demesne, including the Great Telescope, 120 acres of gardens and parklands and the playground.  (Please be aware that the treehouse is undergoing renovation at this time)

Refreshments

Upon your arrival, be sure to collect your festive refreshment voucher at the welcome desk—our little way of spreading some Christmas cheer and ensuring you enjoy a warm treat during the celebration!