Birr Castle Demesne
Birr Castle Demesne
4.5
09:00 - 18:00
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 18:00
Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday
09:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 18:00
Sunday
09:00 - 18:00
About
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse. Set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this castle demesne boasts a rare collection of over 4000 trees and plants, wonderful wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls and lake. Suited to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, scientists, historians, family groups and photographers.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
864 reviews
Excellent
499
Very good
235
Average
73
Poor
36
Terrible
21
Danielle
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Absolutely stunning grounds, very interesting science/astrology museum. The photos do not do it justice! Looking forward to a summer visit when everything is in bloom.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justin R
Lino Lakes, MN294 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
I stopped here with my daughter on our way from Dublin to Galway. It isn’t too far out of the way and is ably halfway in between. It was great for my daughter to get out and run around on the playground equipment. The grounds are quite large and there is a lot of empty space. We didn’t explore all of it but we did see the giant telescope and the stream near the castle which were fun to see. It is a good place to let kids be able to run around. The science center part is pretty small and I didn’t find all that interesting.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louise - E
11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Lovely place to visit with an awesome playground - kids loved it . Dog friendly too which is a huge plus .
Beautiful gardens to walk around .
Beautiful gardens to walk around .
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz M
Glasgow, UK31 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Visited Birr Castle with friends.
Such a shame you can't get access into the Castle itself.
Lovely grounds and well kept and clean.
Such a shame you can't get access into the Castle itself.
Lovely grounds and well kept and clean.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DJCass
Ireland298 contributions
Sep 2022
Spent a day here in September exploring this wonderful scenery set within a parkland surrounded by wonderful things. The great house, the oldest still working suspension bridge, the great Birr Telescope etc. All come together to deliver a great experience that lens the mind to discovery.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grainne M
3 contributions
Sep 2022
Lovely garden walks. Very good map provided which provides information on a list of areas around the garden. Castle itself was closed (September 2022) but the gardens themselves are worth a visit. Very well maintained and a lovely way to spend a few hours. Parking is in a public car park across from the castle - just €2 for 6 hours which gives plenty of time to enjoy the gardens, get lunch and have a walk around Birr town as well.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LonGalGal
Galway, Ireland145 contributions
Jul 2022
Loved the whole experience:
- Science Gallery
- Telescope
- Garden walks
- House Tour
What an amazing place, highly recommended, truly something for everyone from 4 to 94 years.
And yes, the coffee shop is also fabulous
- Science Gallery
- Telescope
- Garden walks
- House Tour
What an amazing place, highly recommended, truly something for everyone from 4 to 94 years.
And yes, the coffee shop is also fabulous
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KyFlynn
Munich, Germany1,845 contributions
Apr 2022
We fortunately found a parking spot right next to the castle walls and then walked inside. In front is a small café where my Mum enjoyed a coffee and a cake later. But first we walked inside and got our tickets, which cost 10€ per Person; in here you can also find some souvenirs, postcards and the famous knick-knacks you bring back from your travels.
We then walked right into the Gardens where we got a peek at the castle. You can book tours through this castle from 17th May until 3rd September. Such a tour costs 20€ per Person and lasts about 75 minutes.
The Gardens are seriously huge with 120 Acres of Parkland and 10km of walks. There are the Formal Gardens with the world’s tallest box hedges, and the Terraces from where you can see the suspension bridge. Sadly we weren’t able to cross it, but it looked truly interesting and is, in fact, from 1820 and thus the earliest in Ireland. On the other side of the river is the well of St. Brandon, who was a monk and later an abbot, of the 6th century.
One of the most impressive things there, however, is actually the great Leviathan of Parsonstown, which is a huge Telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror and which was until 1917 the largest telescope in the world. Through this telescope, the spiral structure of nebulae was discovered. It is truly worth a look, especially if you’re interested in the history of space and discovery.
We then walked right into the Gardens where we got a peek at the castle. You can book tours through this castle from 17th May until 3rd September. Such a tour costs 20€ per Person and lasts about 75 minutes.
The Gardens are seriously huge with 120 Acres of Parkland and 10km of walks. There are the Formal Gardens with the world’s tallest box hedges, and the Terraces from where you can see the suspension bridge. Sadly we weren’t able to cross it, but it looked truly interesting and is, in fact, from 1820 and thus the earliest in Ireland. On the other side of the river is the well of St. Brandon, who was a monk and later an abbot, of the 6th century.
One of the most impressive things there, however, is actually the great Leviathan of Parsonstown, which is a huge Telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror and which was until 1917 the largest telescope in the world. Through this telescope, the spiral structure of nebulae was discovered. It is truly worth a look, especially if you’re interested in the history of space and discovery.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nmkenny
Oxford, UK159 contributions
Jul 2022
lovely walk around Birr castle and gardens, nice views and easy assailable would recommend and a visit when in Birr
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ashley
Dublin, Ireland5 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful preserved castle and garden grounds near Kinsdale. You will feel like you are in the movie Ever After with a visit. Start your visit by parking along the street outside the castle and be sure to bring coins.
The garden entrance is less than 10 euros and includes admission to the museum and garden. There is also a nice little cafe for a coffee at the entrance. I found the museum to be small but interesting with a strong focus on astronomy. I loved it.
After you exit the museum the gardens are very huge and feature a variety of topography including hills, lakes, a rose garden, a waterfall and Europe largest telescope. Its a gorgeous place and very well maintained, its also large enough that it never feels crowded. Bring a picnic and enjoy a full day of walking in this beautiful park.
The garden entrance is less than 10 euros and includes admission to the museum and garden. There is also a nice little cafe for a coffee at the entrance. I found the museum to be small but interesting with a strong focus on astronomy. I loved it.
After you exit the museum the gardens are very huge and feature a variety of topography including hills, lakes, a rose garden, a waterfall and Europe largest telescope. Its a gorgeous place and very well maintained, its also large enough that it never feels crowded. Bring a picnic and enjoy a full day of walking in this beautiful park.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caroline D
Kildare, Ireland12 contributions
Is it buggy friendly
Dee McA
Naas, Ireland124 contributions
Yes it is !
Liam G
Ballinakill, Ireland
Bouncy pillow gone for good?
porterIreland
Dublin, Ireland653 contributions
Couldn’t find it myself and the lad working there that day had never heard of it!
Bernard M
2 contributions
Dogs are allowed?
BirrCastleDemesne
Birr, Offaly, Ireland18 contributions
Dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a lead at all times. They are not allowed through the science centre or into the children's playground.
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BIRR CASTLE DEMESNE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Birr Castle Demesne
- Birr Castle Demesne is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 18:00
- We recommend booking Birr Castle Demesne tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Birr Castle Demesne tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Birr Castle Demesne:
- Dublin Galway Connemara Cliffs of Moher Dublin Private Car Three Day Tour (From €2,739.62)
- Dublin To Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney Private Four Day Flexible Tour (From €3,618.36)
- Dublin Galway Connemara Cliffs of Moher Ring of Kerry Blarney Five Day Car Tour (From €4,445.42)
- Dublin To Galway Cliffs of Moher Killarney Dingle Blarney Castle Six Day Tour (From €5,499.92)
- Dublin To Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney - Blarney SML Group Four Day Tour (From €5,686.00)
- Hotels near Birr Castle Demesne:
- (0.11 km) Walcot Bed and Breakfast
- (0.18 km) Spinners on Castle Street
- (0.23 km) Emmet House Bed & Breakfast
- (0.22 km) The Maltings
- (0.20 km) The Stables Birr Guest Rooms
- Restaurants near Birr Castle Demesne:
- (0.03 km) Courtyard Cafe at Birr Castle
- (0.11 km) Kellys Bar
- (0.18 km) Spinners
- (0.22 km) The Loft Cafe
- (0.23 km) The Coachouse Bar