Birr Castle Demesne
Birr Castle
The family seat of the Earls of Rosse, whose grounds include the Leviathan of Parsonstown telescope, once the world's largest, and extensive gardens.
Birr Castle remains the home of the Earls of Rosse. The castle itself is generally closed to the public, and visitors instead explore the surrounding estate of about 50 hectares. The Leviathan of Parsonstown telescope, built in 1845 by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, has a 1.8-metre aperture and was the world's largest telescope for about 70 years. With it, he first observed the spiral structure of galaxies. The grounds also include the Historical Science Centre of Ireland, the world's tallest box hedge, a suspension bridge, lakes and a treehouse playground. There is an admission fee, and about 3 hours is recommended. The town of Birr has orderly Georgian streets and is about 37 km from Athlone.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Lough Boora Discovery Park
- Clonmacnoise
- Sean's Bar
- Athlone Castle
- Luan Gallery
- SS Peter and Paul's Church
- Clara Bog Nature Reserve
- Lough Ree