Birr Castle

When I added Birr Castle to my itinerary, I did not realize how long it would take to properly tour this site. Plan on going casually? Plan on a FULL day!

First, Birr Castle is an actual residence and you may be one of the lucky few who are permitted (buying a ticket) to go inside the main floor. I had not budgeted the money or the time for the interior visit and was quite happy with being outdoors.

First thing that grabbed my attention as I entered was the incredible playground and tree house. Now, it was early morning (remember the sun rose early in June) so . . . . . with no one looking, I climbed up into the tree house. Yep! My six-year-old self had a blast. I was up and down the wood bridges, checked out every window and scurried up ladders. One minor problem was how to get down (my foot was beginning to get sore). I could try the pole (nah, I don't need any rash) or the slide. I opted for the slide. They must polish that slide at night, because I came down fast and kept on going! l lay there in the mulch laughing like crazy until I realized I might have broken a new bone. Nothing broken but my pride when I realized the people in the gift shop were watching me. Okay, enough of the six-year-old Debbie.

BELOW: The entrance to Birr Castle Residence and the Castle itself. Love the architecture of the entrance gate.

Map of Castle Grounds and the Great Telescope

Castle Birr is probably most well known for the 3rd Earl of Rosse and his magnificent 72 telescope. It was the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years! He made the discovery of a "Whirlpool" nebula and sketched it by lantern light using charcoal. His heir, the 4th Earl of Rosse was able to build a machine to measure the heat of the sun!

Stepping away from the scientific world (never my best subject), I wandered into the beautiful meadows and woods.

Nearly everywhere I looked, I found one of my favorite things: DAPPLED SUNSHINE! You know, the sun shine on the ground when the sun is filtered by the moving leaves of trees. So beautiful and calming. I know, it's a simple thing, but aren't the best things really simple?

The greenery was overwhelming - both natural and shaped! I loved the walkways covered by bowed vines and the sculptures were placed perfectly in nature. The old gates, ironwork, water features, the river, lake, streams and waterfalls completed my day.

There truly is so much to see in the grounds and I am certain the visit to the Castle would make your day even that much better! ENJOY.

The beautiful arches beckon you to linger in their cool embrace.

I would love to visit here of an early evening - perhaps as twilight turns to dark.

Page Directory