Birr Castle Demesne

Ireland's Largest, Award-Winning Gardens - spanning over 120 acres of beautiful and tranquil parkland. This impressive worldwide plant collection boasts over 3,000 species of trees and shrubs as well as wildflower meadows and a Victorian fernery. The millennium gardens reflect a French-style formal garden, and include the tallest box hedges in the world. Walk through the hornbeam cloister paths and enjoy the fragrance of the enchanting springtime Magnolias specially propagated. Cross over a breathtaking waterfall in the fernery, and meander around rivers and lakes in the relaxing River Walk. Follow "The Red Tree Trail" and discover Birr Castle Demesne's 50 trees of distinction.
World Famous 'Great Telescope' & Historic Science Centre - Travel back in time at Ireland's Historic Science Centre, where the 'Galleries of Discovery' reveal the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. Then marvel at the world famous 'Great Telescope', built by the Third Earl of Rosse, the largest in the world for over 70 years.
"In the heart of Ireland, a green jewel of world renown" - Eliana Ferioli: Great Gardens of Europe.

Situated	Birr Town. 130km SW of Dublin, 38km South of Athlone on N52 from Tullamore, N62 from Athlone or Roscrea.
Open	Daily March - October: 0900 - 1800. November - March 10.00-16.00
Admission	Adults €9.00; Students and Senior Citizens €7.50; Child €5.00 (5 and under free); Family €25.00 (includes 2 adults and 2 children), Group Rate €6.50 (15 or more people). Guided tours are €30 (max. 40 people per tour - booked in advance)
Facilities	Courtyard Cafe, The Discovery Gift Shop, Annual Programme of Events, Disabled Toilet, Wheelchair Access.
Contact	Jacquie Jordan, Manager Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: +353 57 9120336 Fax: +353 57 9121583 Email: mail@birrcastle.com   Web: www.birrcastle.com