Birr
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Turning back the clock to the elegance of the Georgian era, Birr has stayed
true to its 18th and 19th Century character, with tree-lined malls and
avenues and wonderful Georgian Architecture. The narrow main street
retains its beautiful shop fronts. There are two churches and a Wesley
Chapel built in the gothic style, as was the convent designed by Augustus
Welby Pugin, architect of the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. A
curious pillar in Emmet Square was once surmounted by a statue of the
Duke of Cumberland and Market Square was a hive of activity where
farmers in the past bought and sold their produce. A monastery founded
by St Brendan the Elder in the sixth century hosted an important synod in
697 AD which passed the Cáin Adomnáin, a Brehon law for the protection
of women. Birr Castle Gardens and Historic Science Centre is one of
Ireland's top attractions.

HERITAGE CENTRE: Ireland’s Historic Science Centre

ADDRESS: Birr, Co. Offaly
TEL: 0509-20336
FAX: 0509-21583
EMAIL: mail@birrcastle.com
WEBSITE: www.birrnet.com

LOCATION: Birr Town Centre

SEASON: All Year

OPENING TIMES:
Nov-15 Mar: Daily: 10.00-16.00
16 Mar-Oct: Daily: 09.00-18.00

CONTACT: Alicia Parsons

EDUCATION PACK: Yes

ENTRANCE FEES: Adult: €9.00 / Child: €5.00

TOWN AMENITIES

ANGLING: The River Shannon (8 miles from Birr) and
its tributaries offer a variety of angling
opportunities

BEACH: No

BIRD WATCHING: The Shannon Callows west of Birr are home
to a large variety of birdlife including rare
species such as the Corncrake

CYCLING: Quiet country roads and distinctive landscape
around Birr offer a variety of excellent cycling
routes

GARDENS: The gardens of Birr Castle Demesne are
among the finest in Europe

GOLF: Birr has an 18 hole championship course
and there are many other fine courses in
the area

GUIDED TOURS: Enquire at Birr Castle Demesne

HORSE RIDING: At the AIRE approved Birr Equestrian
Centre

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: No

OTHER ATTRACTIONS: Churches, Wesley Chapel, Georgian
Architecture

WALKING: The Slieve Bloom Way and Offaly Way

SWIMMING: Birr has a recently refurbished community
swimming pool