BIRR CASTLE DEMESNE

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The award winning gardens are the largest in the country, spanning over 120 acres of formal and natural landscapes with five miles of paths. The impressive worldwide plant collection boasts over 40 champions trees, a Victorian fernery, wildflower meadows, lake, rivers and waterfall. The Millenium Gardens include the world's tallest box hedges and stunning arched pathways of hornbeam cloisters. The Demesne is also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre, where visitors may travel back to the time when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive museum galleries reveal pioneering Irish achievements in astronomy, photography, engineering and botany, with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world famous Great Telescope, a 'Leviathan' creation from the 1840's. The Telescope has been fully restored and sits in the centre of the demesne to be admired by all who visit. We offer pre-booked guided tours as well as educational tours for primary and secondary schools. Birr Castle is still, after 13 generations, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Rosse.

ADDRESS: Birr, Co. Offaly
TEL: 057-912 0336
FAX: 057-912 1583
EMAIL: mail@birrcastle.com
WEBSITE: www.birrcastle.com

LOCATION: 130km South West of Dublin, 38km South of Athlone

SEASON: All Year

OPENING TIMES:
Mar - Oct: 09.00 - 18.00
Nov - Feb: 10.00 - 16.00

GROUP BOOKING
NECCESSARY: Yes

MANAGER: Jacquie Jordan

EDUCATION OFFICER: Jacquie Jordan

BOOKING CONTACT: Jacquie Jordan

AVERAGE VISIT LENGTH: 2-3 Hours

ENTRANCE FEES: Adult €9.00 / Student/OAP €7.50
Child: €5.00 / Family €25.00 (2A+2C)

GUIDED TOURS: Yes, Max No: 40, Duration: 1 Hour

AUDIO VISUAL: In Museum, Duration 2 x 10 mins.

EXHIBITION: Yes, Changes Annually, English, French, German

RESTAURANT: Courtyard Café, Serving light lunches

PICNIC AREA: Yes

SHOP: Yes

INFORMATION GUIDE: English, French, German, Spanish,
Italian, Chinese, Polish, Irish

COACH PARKING: Yes

CAR PARKING: YES

DISABLED ACCESS/ TOILET: YES