Is Birr a big town?

Is Birr a big town?

The town is known for Birr Castle and gardens, home of the Parsons family, and also site of the Leviathan of Parsonstown, the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years, and a large modern radio telescope….Birr, County Offaly.

Birr Biorra
Elevation 75 m (246 ft)
Population (2016) 5,741
• Urban 4,370
• Rural 1,371

Why is Offaly called Kings County?

Between 1556 and 1920, Offaly was better known as the “King’s County” – in honor of King Philip II of Spain (husband to English Queen “Bloody” Mary). Then Barack Obama’s Irish roots were discovered in County Offaly, so Biffo also became an acronym for “Black Important Fellow from Offaly”.

Who built the telescope in Birr Castle?

William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse
The Rosse six-foot telescope was built by William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse on his estate, Birr Castle, at Parsonstown (now Birr in Ireland)….Leviathan of Parsonstown.

Victorian picture of the “Leviathan of Parsonstown”
Named after Leviathan
Telescope style Newtonian telescope reflecting telescope
Diameter 72 inches (183 cm)

Where is Biorra?

Birr, Irish Biorra, urban district and market town, County Offaly, Ireland, on the River Camcor. A monastery was founded there by St. Brendan of Birr (died c.

Is Birr a good place to live?

“Located near the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains Birr is a beautiful Georgian town with tree lined malls and a great community spirit . . . “The community spirit is alive and well with 2012 seeing the 44th annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival run voluntarily by a community group for the community.

Why is Offaly the Faithful County?

Offaly: “The Faithful County” Formerly known as King’s County, Offaly’s latest nickname is The Faithful County, due primarily to the fact that the word appears on its crest.

What is County Offaly known for?

Offaly largely comprises a flat landscape and is known for its extensive bog and peatlands. There are many large bogs in Offaly including the Bog of Allen, Clara bog, Boora bog and Raheenmore Bog which are spread out across the county with the Bog of Allen extending into four other counties.

Where is Parsonstown in King’s County Ireland?

PARSONSTOWN, or BIRR, a market and post-town, and a parish, in the barony of BALLYBRITT, KING’S county, and province of LEINSTER, 18 miles (S. W.) from Tullamore, and 60 (W. S. W.) from Dublin, on the road from Tullamore to Roscrea; containing, with the village of Crinkle, 9457 inhabitants.

Where was Parsonstown in the Topographical Dictionary of Ireland?

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. 1837. PARSONSTOWN, or BIRR, a market and post-town, and a parish, in the barony of BALLYBRITT, KING’S county, and province of LEINSTER, 18 miles (S.

What was the population of Parsonstown in 1901?

In 1852, the southern part of the Parsonstown Union went to become part of the new Borrisokane Union. At the 1901 census, the population of the Union was 25,332. Most of the workhouse buildings survive and are currently used as residential accommodation.

Who was the architect of the Parsonstown workhouse?

The new Parsonstown Union workhouse was erected on a seven-acre site half a mile to the east of Parsonstown. Designed by the Poor Law Commissioners’ architect George Wilkinson, the building was based on one of his standard plans to accommodate 800 inmates. Its construction cost £6,900 plus £1,384 for fittings etc.

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