Birr Castle Demesne

About the museum

Birr Castle has been the home of the Parsons family, the Earls of Rosse, for more than 400 years, and its demesne of about 120 acres lies in the heritage town of Birr. The family were pioneers in science, engineering and astronomy, and the Earls collected many of the plants in the gardens on their travels over the last 150 years.

The best-known object is the Great Telescope, a reflecting telescope nicknamed the Leviathan, which was the largest in the world for more than 70 years. With it the 3rd Earl of Rosse made drawings of nebulae in the 1840s. His wife Mary, Countess of Rosse, was an early photographer, and her darkroom is described as one of the oldest in Europe.

Ireland’s Historic Science Centre occupies the former stable block, designed by the 3rd Countess, across the ground and first floors. Its seven galleries cover the family tree, the building and restoration of the Great Telescope, family objects such as the Lunar Heat Machine and a letter from Neil Armstrong, the early nebula drawings, the Dark Room and the Engineerium on the engineer Charles Parsons. The castle itself is a private family home and can only be seen on seasonal guided tours.

Highlights

• The Great Telescope, once the largest in the world
• Seven-gallery Historic Science Centre in the former stables
• Recreated darkroom of the early photographer Mary Rosse
• Lunar Heat Machine and a letter from Neil Armstrong
• Seasonal guided tour of the castle’s main reception rooms
• Gardens, parkland and a treehouse adventure playground

Permanent exhibitions

• Ireland’s Historic Science Centre – Seven galleries in the former stables cover the Parsons family, the Great Telescope, early photography and the engineering of Charles Parsons.
• The Great Telescope – The restored 19th-century reflecting telescope known as the Leviathan, once the largest in the world.

Operated by

Birr Castle Demesne (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

General admission covers the gardens, parkland, Great Telescope, Science Centre and playground; the castle interior needs a separate tour ticket. Tickets can be bought on arrival, but online booking is recommended in summer and on bank holidays. Friends memberships are available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Well-maintained paths and wheelchair-friendly routes cover much of the demesne, and a certified lift takes visitors to the first floor of the Science Centre. Accessible toilets are in the main visitor courtyard and accessible parking is in the Marian Hall car park opposite the entrance. The castle interior has many steps and is not wheelchair accessible. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the Science Centre.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

The playground includes Ireland’s tallest treehouse, and a Gallery Challenge trail in the Science Centre suits ages 9 to 12. Seasonal family events such as the Birr Castle Christmas Express run in winter. Main paths are smooth and wide enough for pushchairs. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Courtyard Café and a gift shop.

Events & venue rental

Plan your visit