Who lives in Birr Castle now?
Birr Castle today is home to Lord Rosse (Brendan Parsons), Lady Rosse (Alison Cook-Hurle) and their family. The two most famous examples of the Parsons’ scientific genius are the giant telescope designed and built by the third earl in 1845 and the steam turbine invented by his son, Charles Parsons.
Can you go into Birr Castle?
Visitors are welcome to one of Ireland’s most intriguing destinations, steeped in scientific achievements and home to the remarkable Parsons family for 400 years. This rare opportunity brings visitors inside the castle to explore the magnificent interiors of five main reception rooms with their exquisite craftsmanship.
How much is it to get into Birr Castle?
Birr Castle Admission Rates: Adults – €10.00. Student (16 years and above, students require a valid student Id) – €7.50. Senior age 65 and above ID maybe required) – €8.00. Children 4 years and under FREE.
How many rooms does Birr Castle have?
80 rooms
At home in Birr Castle: ‘There are about 80 rooms, not as many as you’d think’
Who owned Birr Castle?
Forty years later the Castle was owned by Adam Loftus, Viscount Lisburne, who switched allegiance from James II to support William of Orange, and was killed by a cannonball at the siege of Limerick in 1691.
Is Birr Castle dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on site but must be kept on a lead at all times, dogs are not permitted in the playground and please do clean up after your dog.
Is there parking at Birr Castle?
Car parking is available in the public car park across from our main entrance. This is a pay and display car park. There is NO car parking within Birr Castle Demesne.
Who built the giant telescope in Birr Castle?
3rd Earl of Rosse
It is unusual for a Castle in the centre of Ireland to have become a great centre of astronomical discovery. However, in 1845, the 3rd Earl of Rosse built the biggest telescope in the world and it remained so for 75 years.
How many acres is Birr Castle?
1,200 acre
The magnificent Birr Castle is situated on a 1,200 acre walled estate near the centre of heritage town of Birr.
Is the Birr Castle in Ireland open to the public?
Birr Castle ( Irish: Caisleán Bhiorra) is a large castle in the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland. It is the home of The 7th Earl of Rosse, and as such the residential areas of the castle are not open to the public, though the grounds and gardens of the demesne are publicly accessible.
Is there a science centre in Birr Castle?
The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre in Ireland are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, and walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. The Parsons family invite you to explore one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland.
Is the Birr Castle demesne open to the public?
The demesne is open to the public for a fee, with an annual subscription available for Friends of Birr Castle Demesne . The castle grounds are also home to Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, a museum of Ireland’s historic scientists and their contributions to astronomy and botany.
How old is the Great Telescope at Birr Castle?
The “Great Telescope” and other features. The grounds of the castle contain the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland, dating from 1820. The walled gardens in the grounds feature Box Hedges that are over 300 years old. They are also, according to The Guinness Book of Records, the tallest hedge in the world.