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Gardens in Birr, County Offaly, Republic of Ireland
Birr Castle Demesne
Birr
County Offaly
Tel: +353 (0)5791 20336
Fax: +353 (0)5791 21583
Email: click here
Website: click here
In the Heart of Ireland, a green jewel of world renown’
Eliana Ferioli ‘Great Gardens of Europe’
Spend the Day Exploring the World…meander through beautifully landscaped and natural parkland. The impressive worldwide plant collection boasts rare species from around the world, including over 40 champion trees of the British Isles.
The Formal Gardens…. here you will find the romantic hornbeam cloister walk, planted by Anne, Countess of Rosse in the 1940s around an original layout. It boasts the world's tallest box hedges. Tucked away in an intimate courtyard is a pergola with a spectacular wisteria. A collection of old roses compliments the delphinium border in season.
The Science Centre… travel back to the time of the earlier Earls and Countesses of Rosse, when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive centre reveals the wonders of early photography, engineering, astronomy and photography with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world famous Great Telescope.
The Great Telescope… in the early 1840’s, the Third Earl of Rosse designed and built the largest telescope in the world. With this telescope, he discovered the spiral nature of some of the galaxies, and from 1845-1914, anyone wishing to witness this phenomenon had to come to Birr. And they came, in their hundreds, from across Europe and beyond, to observe the stars with Lord Rosse or simply to marvel at this feat of engineering in the middle of Ireland.
Facilities
The Courtyard Cafe, Family Picnic & Play Area, Guided Tours, School Tours.
Admission
€9.00 adults, €7.50 students and seniors, €5.00 children, 5 and under free, €25 family rate (for 2 adults and 2 children)
Opening Times
Open all year, daily March to October 9 am-6pm; November to February 10 am-4 pm
Directions
Birr, County Offaly. 130 km SW of Dublin, 38 km S of Athlone, on N52 to Birr
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
