Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre: Hours, Address, Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
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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Top ways to experience Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
23 within 5 kms
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140
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108
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126
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54
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23
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0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Chinese • European • Asian
Attractions
11 within 10 kms
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
132
0.2 kmTheatres
Science Centre at Birr Castle
38
99 mScience Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
Cumberland Column
1
0.2 kmHistoric Sites
Birr Library
1
0.4 kmLibraries
Woodland Cottage Garden
6
1.5 kmGardens
Crinkill Barracks
1
2.4 kmHistoric Sites • Military Bases & Facilities
Birr Equestrian Centre
42
Farms
Carrigfoyle Quarry
9
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Browne Clayton Monument
1
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Sacred Heart Church
Churches & Cathedrals
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4.5
856 reviews
Excellent
493
Very good
233
Average
73
Poor
36
Terrible
21
KyFlynn
Munich, Germany1,808 contributions
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
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, Ireland4 contributions
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.
JMEdQ
Edinburgh, UK260 contributions
A highlight of our holiday. This castle, on the edge of Birr town, is home to a truly extraordinary family of engineers, botanists and astronomers - all down the generations. To see The Leviathan, the largest telescope in the world at that time, and to learn about the remarkable engineering 'brains' that the family is full of, is remarkable. Our guide for the Castle Tour was probably one of the best we have ever been with. He explained everything clearly and carefully; we enjoyed every minute of his tour. The grounds are lovely to walk around in. They are extensive and contain some quite rare and beautiful trees and shrubs. The staff at the entrance are very welcoming and you absolutely must not miss seeing the Science Centre at the gatehouse which highlights the achievements of the family.
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cora
Kilkenny, Ireland9 contributions
Family
Birr castle is stunning. The gardens and general grounds are magnificent. The telescope is amazing and really interesting to see. The kids play area is fantastic and the tree house was a major hit with kids. The cafe was lovely too with lots of delicious coffee and treats.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz H
2 contributions
Couples
Beautiful surroundings, gardens are fantastic, lovely scenic walks surrounded by nature. Small coffee shop there and bathroom facilities were good.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shazzahutch
Cork, Ireland67 contributions
Solo
I had a lovely few hours at Birr Castle. Not knowing anything before my visit, it was a great education in the great discoveries the Parson family has made. Also a very enlightened family with many strong females of the family being able to express themselves with their interests. The grounds are a treat to walk around and for an extra €10 it is worth getting a tour of the castle itself where the family still lives. The mind boggles as to how you keep an abode this size running ! Well worth a visit and the best playground I have seen ever with a castle to discover for 6 and under !
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dpl434
Ballincollig, Ireland51 contributions
We enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing the Leviathan. The Science Center and Astronomy Room were quite interesting, too. The formal gardens were a further walk than we had thought, but still it was nice to find the tallest hedge box. Had it not been raining, we would have stayed a bit longer to do the tree walk as there are so many species to see.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oonah00
Northern Ireland, UK149 contributions
Couples
Stopped here and didn't plan to stay for long but ended up staying for ages. Its a fascinating place to have a nice relaxing walk and learn about the family who are responsible for early advances in astronomy. The self guided tour through the museum is really interesting and you can take as little or as long as you like.
The gardens of the castle are a delight on a good day, with plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy and there is an amazing kids play park.
The staff are very kind and helpful too and we really enjoyed our visit. The gift shop is lovely and has plenty of local crafts.
You'll need to have a 2e coin for parking across the street as they don't have phone pay there yet. You get 6 hours for 2 euro.
The gardens of the castle are a delight on a good day, with plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy and there is an amazing kids play park.
The staff are very kind and helpful too and we really enjoyed our visit. The gift shop is lovely and has plenty of local crafts.
You'll need to have a 2e coin for parking across the street as they don't have phone pay there yet. You get 6 hours for 2 euro.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ShaneMcDonald
Waterford, Ireland952 contributions
Birr castle was a revelation, as I thought it was just going to be a small area inside the walls of the castle grounds, however the reality is far form that. There are acres upon acres of green space, gardens, walks, looped trails and much more. There is a focus on science and astronomy and I urge anyone visiting Birr not to miss this gem.
Written 8 March 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, Ireland652 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
- Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 18:00
- We recommend booking Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre 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 Gardens & Science Centre tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre:
- Dublin Galway Connemara Cliffs of Moher Dublin Private Car Three Day Tour (From €2,750.52)
- Dublin To Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney Private Four Day Flexible Tour (From €3,632.76)
- Dublin Galway Connemara Cliffs of Moher Ring of Kerry Blarney Five Day Car Tour (From €4,463.11)
- Dublin To Galway Cliffs of Moher Killarney Dingle Blarney Castle Six Day Tour (From €5,521.80)
- Dublin To Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney - Blarney SML Group Four Day Tour (From €5,708.62)
- Hotels near Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre:
- (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 Gardens & Science Centre:
- (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