Birr Castle Demesne

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Birr Castle Demesne Home to The Great Telescope, Ireland’s Tallest Treehouse, 120 acres of parklands & gardens, Ireland's Historic Science Centre & more!
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Registered Charity No. 20013875 Explore 120 acres of award-winning gardens and parkland, the Great Telescope, Science Centre and Ireland's Tallest Treehouse. The world's tallest box hedges, Victorian fernery, lake, rivers and waterfall provide an unforgettable day. Meander through the 5 miles of paths boasting an impressive worldwide plant collection. Walk through the hornbeam cloisters and enjoy the fragrance of the enchanting springtime Magnolias specially propagated. World Famous 'Great Telescope' - Marvel at the Third Earl of Rosse's leviathan creation, it was the largest in the world for over 70 years. Ireland's Historic Science Centre - Travel back in time as you explore 'Galleries of Discovery' which celebrate early Irish achievements in astronomy, photography, botany and engineering, with an emphasis on the scientific accomplishments of the earlier Earls and Countesses of Rosse. The gardens are also home to Ireland’s largest tree-house with an adventure play area for children of all ages. The castle opens its doors for guided tours during the summer months. Birr Castle remains after 14 generations the private home of the Parsons family, the Earls of Rosse. Not-for-profit organisation, charity reg no: CHY 6900

Location
Birr Town. 130km SW of Dublin, 38km South of Athlone on N52 from Tullamore, N62 from Athlone or Roscrea.

🚀 Primary school teachers, looking for a fun school trip this October?Bring your class to Birr Castle Demesne for a hand...
07/10/2026

🚀 Primary school teachers, looking for a fun school trip this October?

Bring your class to Birr Castle Demesne for a hands-on Pop Rocket Workshop with Seanie Morris! 💥 A chance to get out of the classroom, get creative and explore the science of rockets through a fun, practical activity.

📅 Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th October
🎟️ €10 per pupil
🕐 2 school sessions available each day
🎒 All materials supplied

Each pupil will make their own pop rocket using materials provided, and they get to take their creation home afterwards! ✨

A school trip with a difference... hands-on, educational and lots of fun! 🤓🚀

📩 To enquire or book: [email protected] or 087 682 5910

🍂 POV: You just found your perfect autumn day out in Ireland… 👀✨Here are 5 things you HAVE to do at Birr Castle Demesne ...
05/10/2026

🍂 POV: You just found your perfect autumn day out in Ireland… 👀✨

Here are 5 things you HAVE to do at Birr Castle Demesne this autumn 🍁👇

🍂 Wander through the colourful gardens
🚶‍♀️ Get lost on the scenic walking trails
🔭 Step back in time at the Great Telescope
🛝 Let the little ones loose in the playground & Ireland’s Tallest Treehouse
☕️ End the day with something cosy from the café 🤎

Reminder: The Courtyard Cafe is only opened on weekends in autumn 🍂

📍 Birr Castle Demesne, Co. Offaly
💾 Save this for your next autumn day out!
📸: Paul Moore Photography

🚂✨ Tickets are filling up fast for the Birr Castle Christmas Express! ✨🚂Hop aboard for a magical festive journey through...
04/10/2026

🚂✨ Tickets are filling up fast for the Birr Castle Christmas Express! ✨🚂

Hop aboard for a magical festive journey through the beautiful grounds of Birr Castle Demesne. Meet Santa and his merry helpers, enjoy twinkling lights, festive treats, and a truly enchanting Christmas experience for all ages! 🎅🎄

🎟️ Now’s the time to book! With limited dates and sessions available, early booking is essential. 🎄✨

➡️ www.birrcastle.com/the-birr-castle-christmas-express

A little hint of what’s to come… 🎃🍂🍁Hello, October! ✨ We’ve got plenty of autumn magic in store 👀
01/10/2026

A little hint of what’s to come… 🎃🍂🍁

Hello, October! ✨ We’ve got plenty of autumn magic in store 👀

30/09/2026

👗 Did you miss the Countess’s Collection during Heritage Week?

While the Countess’s Collection is no longer on display, there’s another opportunity this October to step into the world of historic fashion and discover the story behind one very special dress…

✨ Waltzing to Waterloo: How the Napoleonic Wars Wove Wardrobes ✨

Join us in The Copper Tree Gallery on 16 & 17 October at 18:30 for a fascinating talk exploring the relationship between fashion, politics and warfare through garments from the Birr Castle Textile Collection.

From the ballrooms of Brussels to the battlefields of Waterloo, discover how the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars transformed what people wore, and how military life, politics and even naval blockades shaped fashion.

The talk will culminate in an exclusive first look at the newly conserved Waterloo Dress, worn by the Duchess of Newcastle to the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball in Brussels on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 👗

⚠️ A few important things to know:

📍 The talk is in The Copper Tree Gallery located next to reception, NOT inside the Castle.
👗 This is NOT the Countess’s Collection exhibition.
🎀 Only ONE dress will be on display, the Waterloo Dress.

So, if you missed the Countess’s Collection, why not discover the story of the Waterloo Dress instead?

📅 16 & 17 October
🕡 18:30
📍 Copper Tree Gallery
🎟️ https://birrcastle.com/event/waltzing-to-waterloo/ (booking essential as spaces are limited)

This event is part of the EU Presidency programme of events, supported by Offaly County Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.



Culture Ireland Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Offaly County Council

🌌🔭 The stars have always brought people to Birr, and last weekend was no exception!Last weekend, we were delighted to ho...
27/09/2026

🌌🔭 The stars have always brought people to Birr, and last weekend was no exception!

Last weekend, we were delighted to host the first ever IFAS Convention in the Copper Tree Gallery, welcoming astronomy enthusiasts from amateur astronomy clubs across Ireland for a day of fascinating talks, shared discoveries and great conversations 🪐✨

We were also honoured to host the presentation of the inaugural John O’Neill Memorial Medal for Contributions to Irish Astronomy, awarded to Stephen Kershaw. Huge congratulations, Stephen! 👏💫

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the Irish Federation of Astronomy Societies for bringing this special gathering to Birr 🔭

📸: Seanie Morris

Address

Green Street
Birr
R42VO27

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+353579120336

Website

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