Birr Castle and Gardens is an enchanting trip though history, science and wonders of magical botanical beauty. Witness history though the generations and Ireland’s outstanding contributions to the world of Science.
Contact Information
Birr Castle and Gardens, Birr, Co Offaly
Tel.:+353 5791 20336
bookings@birrcastle.com
birrcastle.com
Pricing of Birr Castle Tours
Castle Guided Tour
€18 per person
Birr Gardens and Science Centre
Adult: €9
Senior: €7.50
Child: €4
Student: €7.50
Child (under 4)free
Family: €25
Opening Hours at Birr Castle
As Birr Castle is a residential home the reception areas of the home are only open to the public via guided tours from May – August at 930, 1030, 1130 and 1230
Gardens and science centre
Closed December 24th and 25th and January 1st
16th March – 27TH – October 900-1800
28TH October – 15th – March 1000-1600
Tours of Birr Castle
Audio Tour of Gardens
Castle Tours
Guided tours only, tours of the castle interior are not suitable for children under the age of 12
Facilities
Toilets.
Parking.
The Discovery Gift Shop.
The Castle Court Yard.
Tree House Adventure.
The History of Birr Castle
The stunning and enchanting Birr Castle is located in picturesque town of Birr, Co Offaly.
The castle is like something from a living breathing fairytale surround by lush and magical gardens. You are engulfed in history and the world of science.
This castle is soaked in the history of Ireland and some of our most memorable historic events.
Birr Castle has been home to some of Irelands most famous figures and has a history that will enchant the senses, situated in mystical gardens.
Birr Castle is the residential home and the seat of the 7th Earl of Rosse.
It is important to remember that the residential areas of the Castle are not open to the public, with the exception of areas that are permitted for view on the Birr Castle guided tours such as the reception areas.
The tours of the internal areas of Birr Castle are only available during the summer months.
Birr Castle Gardens are open to the public and the Irish Historic Science Centre is also located within the castle grounds.
This is a museum dedicated to Ireland’s scientists and the contributions they have made towards the worlds knowledge of Astronomy and Botany.
The first phase in the life of Birr Castle was to start on this site in 1170; the land was owned and ruled over by the O’Carroll Family from the 14th-17th centuries.
In 1620 Sir Laurence Parsons was granted Birr Castle and its extensive lands and titles. Parsons made many improvements and his works on Birr Castle are still visible today.
Birr has passed through the generations of the Parson family, enduring eras of unrest, particularly during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, where Birr underwent a siege by Catholic forces, this siege lasted for over a year.
During the 19th Century, the 2nd Earl of Rosse renovated the Castle adding many of the Gothic style features we see today.
The Parsons family has had a long and glorious tradition within the field of Science. The 3rd Earl of Rosse, William Parsons, commissioned the construction of “The Great Telescope” at Birr, in 1845.
Upon its completion it was the largest telescope in the world and has now been fully restored. Birr Castle has 90 rooms and its 1200 acres are enclosed by a magnificent wall.
Birr is a wonderful day for all the family and its history and beauty are magical to witness.
You will be enchanted by the beauty of the gardens and it is like taking a walk through time and through the botanical wonders of the world.