The majestic Birr Castle

Birr castle is the home of the seventh Earl of Rosse. It is known mostly for the ‘great telescope’ also known as Leviathan of the third Earl of Rosse, a 72-inch reflector astronomical telescope. It was completed in 1845 and was used for several decades until the last observations in the early 1990’s.

Although the castle itself is not open to the public, it welcomes you to enjoy the intriguing Historic Science Center and charming grounds and gardens. The parson’s family as the inhabitants are known, was keen on daguerreotype photography, steam power and electricity and today you can still find a wrought-iron suspension bridge built in 1820 and a turbine house built in 1879 in the grounds of the castle.

Within the museum you can view a large number of astronomical, engineering and photographic instruments and artifacts. Including a personal collection of mid 19th century photographs taken by Lady Rosse herself.

A short distance from the telescope is a man made pond, which has ducks and swans, a waterfall and fernery, which is not to be missed. The public is welcomed to plant oak trees in remembrance of a person or event, and this is carried out through the Tree Council of Ireland whom you can contact at the reception or visitor desk.
View the tallest box hedges in the world and also the oldest at 300 years old; it also has an array of birds including herons and kingfishers. The Ice House underground cold room from the early 1900’s used to store ice and meat in the castle, you can go in and view what the first freezers were like! .

The public is well catered for at the Birr Castle Demesne with tearooms, a gift shop, garden center, guided tours (these apply for appointments only), it is also a wheelchair friendly environment, toilets and car parking.

Even for those who are not interested in the scientific side of Birr Castle it is a wonderful place for families to come and see nature at its very best with the wooded land, wildlife and many events taking place. This majestic castle boasts beautiful scenery in summer weather, however in the harshness of winter still maintains it beauty and interest.