Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre

 

This magnificent castle is a rare gem in the heart of Ireland and part of Ireland and is currently home to the 7th Earl of Rosse, William Brendan Parsons and Alison Lady Rosse. The castle tour includes a 45-minute guided tour of the main reception rooms. A guide will lead you through the beautiful rooms while educating you on the extraordinary and pioneering history of the Parsons family, your guide will also discuss the antique furniture, the family portraits, chandeliers and tapestries within the rooms you visit. 

Following your tour of the Castle your admission ticket also allows you to explore the 120 acres of gardens, marvel at the Great Telescope, visit the Carroll Oak which is standing tall for over 500 years, enjoy a stroll along the rivers and waterfall and visit the Historic Science Centre.   While on site why not take the opportunity to visit the award-winning courtyard café and gift shop now stocking many wonderfully Irish designed gifts.  

Birr Castle Demesne was recently described by Conde Nast Traveler as the perfect stop off when en-route from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher.      

•    Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is open daily 9am to 6pm 
•    Castle tours in May, June, July and August. Monday to Saturday at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 and 13.30 each day, pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
•    Tickets per adult of €18 and this also includes access to Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre. 
•    Castle tours are suitable for 12 years and above only.  
•    Castle tours are not suitable for those dependent on wheel chairs, several steps at the entrance to the castle which dates back the sixteen centuries. 
•    Courtyard Café open each day and serving fresh local produce, home bakes and hipped ice-cream
•    General admission tickets can be purchased on-line www.birrcastle.com 

Púca of Birr Castle, Halloween Event October 29 & 30, 2017
 
This Halloween we are celebrating the life of the 3rd Earl of Rosse who actually passed away on Halloween night 150 years ago. This Halloween on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 October, we will take you through a soul shivering story starting in the dark of the courtyard, through the anam of the Keep Gate and on into the Castle. The story will be animated by our amazing team who will bring to life the story of a nightmare ending for an astronomical genius…
 
The experience lasts 45 minutes and tickets are priced €12.50 per child (up to 16 yrs) and €8 per accompanying adult. This event is not recommended for children under the age of 7*. (it is Halloween scary – if children are afraid of the dark this is not recommended, children must be supervised by parents at all times).
 
Event start at 5.30 each evening with allocated time slots up to 8.30 that night. Pre-booking is essential. To book please T. 057 9120336 (on line tickets will be available shortly).
 
*Daytime activities will take place during the Halloween mid-term for our younger visitors.
 
For further information & booking of places please contact our reception team on 057 9120336. On-line tickets will be available soon. Payment required on time of booking.
 
Christmas at Birr Castle December 1-23 December
 
Come and enjoy the magic of Christmas at Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre this December. Be greeted and entertained by the Castle elves, before taking a trip to the enchanting Birr Castle where you will find Mrs Claus in the drawing room beside an enormous roaring fire and be read a magical festive story. Your visit continues to the elegant dining room where you will meet the man himself… Santa Claus!
 
Santa will visit Birr Castle Demesne over 9 dates this year kicking off on December 1st up to Saturday 23rd December. Dates available are Dec 1st,2nd,8th,9th,15th,16th,17th,22nd and 23rd. Event runs daily at 14.00 to 19.15 with timeslots every 30 minutes.
Tickets are priced at €18 per child and €8 per adult, pre-booking is essential. Each booked child will receive an age appropriate gift from Santa as well as a sweet treat and hot chocolate. The Santa visit experience lasts for 45 minutes, but there is plenty more to see and do at Birr Castle Gardens.
 
Pre-booked adult and children tickets also include general admission to the Treehouse adventure playground and gardens. (T&C apply) for further details please visit birrcastle.com or T. 057 9120336
Payment required at time of booking. Online Booking click here

 

The stunning gardens at Birr Castle are home to an abundance of rare plants and trees along with feats of scientific and engineering wonder for all to view and enjoy.

The award-winning formal gardens, surrounded by the hornbeam cloister walk, proudly houses the world's tallest box hedges along with plants exclusive to Birr Castle.

 

The gardens are also home to the Great Telescope, once the largest in the world for over 70 years, which was created by the Third Earl of Rosse in the 1840's.

The historic science centre transports visitors back to a time when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation.

The galleries reveal the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy.

The castle, which has been a family home since 1620, opens it's doors during the summer months for adult only guided tours, offering visitors a chance to visit this private residence.

On your visit don't miss Ireland's largest treehouse adventure area with a treehouse, sandpits, bouncy pillow and hobbit hut.

No trip is complete without a visit to our Discovery Gift Shop and Courtyard Cafe.

Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre Opening Times

•    Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is open daily 9am to 6pm 

•    General admission tickets can be purchased on-line
•    Café open each day and serving fresh local produce, home bakes, whipped ice-cream
•    In the middle of the midlands and easily accessible from Dublin, Cork and Limerick 

Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre Admission Prices

• Adults €9
• Seniors(65 plus) €7.50
• Students (16 plus with valid student I.D) €7.50
• Children (5-16) €5
• Children 4 and under free of charge

School Tours at Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre are booking fast

Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is ideally situated in the midlands and easily accessible as a perfect option for Irish school tours. Each class will enter a world of fun-filled exploration. There will be no time to be bored as students encounter rivers, waterfalls, a lake, a 17th century castle, the famous Great Telescope, the historic Science Centre, Irelands Tallest Treehouse and an epic bouncy pillow. Take your budding explorers on a journey like no other, through history, science and fun! Tours are available for all age groups.

There are two tour options available for school tours.

•    The Discover Primary Maths and Science Tour suitable for 3rd class and above

The tour begins with a guided tour of the Science Centre, which includes information on the Great Telescope, planets, stars and the Parsons family. The tour guide will then bring the children outside to view the exterior of the castle and the Great Telescope itself. This tour also includes a workshop where the children can launch rockets and record results. We ask that you allow at least 3 hours for this tour which includes time for their lunch. This options costs €10.00 per child which includes your tour guide. You can download the full Discover Primary Maths and Science Tour details here

•    Guided Tour with a Trail Suitable for all ages

The tour guide will take the children through the Science Centre, and outside to view the castle, the Great Telescope and also parts of the gardens. This tour can also include a trail for the children, where they follow a map to different locations in the gardens or science centre and answer questions related to the stop. This option costs €5.00 per child. 

The guided tour is €25.00 per guide required (depending on group size). This option is also available without a guided tour, the teachers can take the children around the Science Centre and the gardens with the help of our visitor’s map.

The Treehouse Adventure Area is included in all of our school tours. If the school uses the bouncy pillow in the Treehouse Area a waiver to be signed by the teachers accompanying the children is required. You can download the full Discovery Tour details here.

 

Contact Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre