The Castle Of Birr
The castle as you see it today has been home to the Parsons family for over 400 years and during this time it has been added onto and each generation has made their mark with the most recent editions by the 6thCountess of Rosse.The castle or fortress of Birr was re occupied by the O’Carroll’s who held it until the 1580s when it was sold to the Ormond Butlers. In 1620 the now ruined castle was granted to the Parsons family by James I.
Visit Birr Castle
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.
The Courtyard Café
Offering seasonal sweet and savoury treats, wonderful coffee, cakes, and ire-cream. The café is operated by Orla and Sean Clancy of Clanwood Organic Farm.
Why Not Enjoy A Cup Of Tea/Coffee With A Heart-Warming Sweet Treat!
Soup, sandwiches & wrap options also available.
Accessibility
Most paths are accessible by wheelchair and/or a mobility vehicle, we have some hills on sites and areas with steps which are highlighted on the visitor map. We have invested on the path surfaces however this is an ongoing project
The demesne is spread over 120 acres and there are many quiet areas to stop, reflect and enjoy a little corner of this remarkable location.
Playground
The playground at Birr Castle Demesne is home to play equipment for children of all ages and each child can explore and work within their own ability. The wonderful treehouse built in 2013 stands tall and is suitable for children 6 years and above. All children must be supervised at all times within the playground and unfortunately no dogs are allowed in this space.
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.
6th Earl And Countess Of Rosse
Michael the 6th Earl and his wife Anne created the formal garden at Birr Castle Demesne. Anne, who was the sister of Oliver Messel the stage designer, brought many treasures to Birr from the Messel collection and with her skill in interior decoration and artist’s eye, transformed the castle, giving it the magical beauty that is now apparent to all.
China Links
Lord Oxmantown currently lives in London and is working on plans to bring investment into Birr which will enable him and his family to move back to Ireland.Alicia Clements, General Manager to the Birr Trustee Company and lives in on the estate at Tullanisk House.
Michael Parsons, has just returned from London and time with the National Trust to continue a career in Tourism.
A Legacy Of 400 Years
The castle as you see it today has been home to the Parsons family for over 400 years and during this time it has been added onto and each generation has made their mark with the most recent editions by the 6th Countess of Rosse. T
The Parsons Family
The Parsons family arrived at Birr in July of 1620. They acquired the ruined fortress of Birr. It had been an O’Carroll castle, but had for some twenty years belonged to the Ormond Butlers. Sir Laurence, one of four brothers living in Ireland at the beginning of end of the 16th century, had been working with his cousin Richard Boyle the great Earl of Cork,(to whom he was related through the Fenton family , in Youghal. Laurence died suddenly in 1628 and was succeeded by his second son, William, ably supported by his mother, Anne, née Malham, a Yorkshire woman related to the Tempest family.
Birr Castle, Ireland
Voted In The Top 10 Attractions In Ireland
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.
Birr Castle
A Legacy Of 400 Years
The castle as you see it today has been home to the Parsons family for over 400 years and during this time it has been added onto and each generation has made their mark with the most recent editions by the 6th Countess of Rosse.
Where Science Lives
The Historic Science Centre is very much worth a visit, the remarkable story of this unique site and family is revealed through the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy.This wonderful collection of stories, heritage and interesting artefacts sets you up for a more fulfilling experience before you head on to explore the demesne.
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