Birr Castle Demesne

Birr Castle Demesne
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About

A 120-acre living demesne in the heart of Ireland, where one family's obsession with science, astronomy and plants shaped a landscape and a telescope that ruled the skies for 70 years.

Things to Do

Parklands and Gardens

Wander 120 acres of rare trees and plants, formal terraces, the River Garden and St Brendan's Well. Don't miss the Fernery Waterfall Garden, restored in 2024.

Parklands and Gardens

Castle guided tours

The castle is still the Parsons family home, so interior access is only via seasonal guided tours, held mid-May to August and suitable for ages 12 and over.

Castle guided tours

The Great Telescope

The 1845 Leviathan of Parsonstown, built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, was the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years and revealed the spiral nature of galaxies. It still stands at the centre of the demesne.

Ireland's Historic Science Centre

Seven galleries in the old stable block tell the story of early photography, engineering and astronomy, including the Lunar Heat Machine, a Hologram of Mary Rosse and the world's oldest intact darkroom.

Ireland's Tallest Treehouse and Playground

A reimagined treehouse with a tower and tube slide, alongside swings, slides, sand pits and climbing frames for families.

Self-guided trails

Pick up challenge sheets at reception and follow the Engineering Trail, the 2km Solar Trail, the Red Tree Trail (65 trees of distinction) or the family Quest, all included in admission.

The Courtyard Café

A café in the courtyard serving coffee, cakes and sandwiches, open daily from 10:00. Picnics are welcome in the grounds; dogs must stay on leads and are not allowed in the playground.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Open daily 09:00–18:00 (about 09:00–16:00 in winter). Gardens and Science Centre 09:00–18:00; Café from 10:00. The castle interior is closed to general admission.
  • Admission: From €14 per adult; family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €35.
  • Parking: No parking inside the demesne. Use the public pay-and-display car park (coin only) opposite the main entrance, or public street parking. Accessible spaces and an EV charging point are in the Marian Hall car park.
  • Food: The Courtyard Café on site, open daily from 10:00, serving coffee, cakes and sandwiches. Picnics are allowed; alcohol is not permitted.

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