Plan Your Visit
We look forward to welcoming you to Birr Castle Demesne. On this page, you will find some information on what you can expect during you visit to our remarkable destination along with a few golden guidelines that will help make your visit one to remember. We are open 362 days a year and open each morning at 09:00, closing times vary depending on daylight hours. From time to time, due to high winds or other dangerous weather conditions, we may need to close at short notice for the health and safety of our visitors and team.
General Admission Ticket
General Admission tickets give you access to the demesne during opening hours and include the following:
* The suspension bridge is not open to the public for health & safety reasons. From time to time we will open under restricted access.
The Castle
The Castle is still a private family home, and therefore, access to the interior is not included in general admission tickets.
Seasonal guided tours of the interior of the Castle take place each year from Mid-May to August. Pre-booking is required and castle tours are only suitable for children 12 and above.
Guided Tours
We are pleased to offer guided discovery tours for groups of 15 or more, as well as for special interest groups. Additionally, we occasionally host seasonal tours for the public.
For more information on guided tours, please email reception@birrcastle.com
Playground
Nestled within the scenic grounds of Birr Castle Demesne, our playground is a vibrant hub of adventure and imagination for families. Thoughtfully designed to engage children of all ages, the playground features a variety of interactive equipment, from climbing frames to slides, that inspire creativity and physical activity.
Parents can relax at picnic tables nearby, enjoying a peaceful moment or sharing a snack while keeping an eye on the fun. With safety as a priority, we kindly ask that children be supervised at all times, and, to preserve the tranquil setting, dogs are not allowed in this area. The playground at Birr Castle Demesne is a perfect starting point for a day of family adventures, blending play, nature, and cherished memories in one enchanting spot.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Ireland’s tallest treehouse will close on 16th September 2024 until late spring 2025 for full maintenance and additional upgraded design detail. For over 11 years, the treehouse has provided a lot of joy and adventure for so many children. We look forward to improving the treehouse experience so that families can continue to enjoy making new memories for years to come. While the treehouse is closed, the rest of the playground will remain fully open for our visitors and Friends. Thank you for your continued support.
Some Golden Rules
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times during their visit.
You are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful locations on site. However, please note that alcohol is not permitted.
We kindly ask that all dog owners please follow the Dog Act and Dog Owners Responsibilities Policy whilst visiting.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Dogs are not allowed in the playground.
- Clean up after your dog (dog poop bags are available at reception)
Please note we cannot permit the below list due to the health and safety reasons:
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No bikes
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No barbecuing or naked flames are permitted within the Demesne.
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No drones
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No electric mode of transport other than an official mobility vehicle.
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No scooters
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No footballs or ball games of any sort
The Courtyard Café
The Courtyard Café is now closed for the Winter season.
Accessibility
Birr Castle Demesne is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors, with a focus on accessibility. The Demesne features well-maintained paths that allow easy access to key areas. Wheelchair-friendly routes are available, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can explore much of the site comfortably. There is also a certified wheelchair lift that takes visitors from ground level to the first floor of the Science Centre, offering a seamless way to explore each gallery. Additionally, accessible parking spaces can be found in the Marian Hall car park located directly across from our entrance.
Getting Here
Please use the google map for direct direction as well as our postal code, R42 VO27. This will take you directly to our pedestrian entrance.
Car parking is available in the public car park located across from our main entrance and there is also public street parking. This is a pay and display car park (coin only).
There is NO car parking within Birr Castle Demesne.
Car Charging Points: there is one car charging point in Marian Hall car park and other charging points can be found at Tesco car park.
The nearest train station to Birr is located in Tullamore and a second can be found in Portlaoise, both will require a bus or taxi to take you from the train station to Birr.
Local Link: Portlaoise – Birr, Birr - Portlaoise
Kearns Bus: Tullamore – Birr, Birr – Tullamore
Selection of other helpful links below:
https://kearnstransport.com/birr-tullamore/
https://locallinklaoisoffaly.ie/timetable/
https://www.buseireann.ie/