Birr Castle isn’t just a castle—it’s a goddamn fortress of human genius.
Nestled in Co. Offaly, its Birr Castle telescope once ruled the skies, and its gardens hold secrets from the edges of the earth.
The Birr castle history is a 400-year saga of the Parsons family, from sieges to star-chasing.
Want Birr Castle tickets? Curious about Birr Castle opening hours or Birr Castle tickets price?
This isn’t a polite guide—it’s a raw dive into why Birr Castle is Ireland’s beating heart of science and nature.
From Birr castle wedding dreams to Birr Castle membership price, we’ll rip through FAQs and Offaly attractions.
Ready to face the Leviathan? Let’s tear into it.
The Untamed Roots of Birr Castle
Birr Castle, or Caisleán Bhiorra, looms in the heart of Birr, Co. Offaly, a town that pulses with heritage.
Its Birr castle history kicks off in 1170 with the O’Carroll clan’s motte-and-bailey stronghold, a crude but fierce Norman setup.
By the 14th century, the O’Carrolls ruled Ely O’Carroll, their power etched in stone until the Tudors crushed them in the 1580s.
In 1620, Sir Laurence Parsons snatched the castle and 1,277 acres, hiring English masons to rebuild it—not on the O’Carroll’s Black Tower, but at its gatehouse.
The Parsons family, now the Earls of Rosse, have clung to it for 400 years, through sieges, fires, and famine.
In 1641, William Parsons endured a 15-month siege by Catholic rebels, the castle’s walls holding firm.
By the 1800s, Laurence Parsons, 2nd Earl, Gothicised it, adding towers and a star-shaped moat during the Great Famine.
A 1836 fire gutted the central block, but Mary, Countess of Rosse, funded its rebuild, raising ceilings and adding a grand dining room.
The castle’s peak came in 1845 with the Birr Castle telescope, the Leviathan, built by the 3rd Earl, William Parsons.
This 72-inch beast was the world’s largest until 1917, drawing stargazers like Charles Babbage to Birr’s muddy fields.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birr_Castle)
The Leviathan: A Telescope That Shook the Cosmos
The Birr Castle telescope, dubbed the Leviathan of Parsonstown, isn’t just a machine—it’s a monument to human defiance.
William Parsons, 3rd Earl, built it in 1845, its six-foot mirror capturing light from galaxies no one had seen before.
He discovered the spiral structure of galaxies, a revelation that rewrote astronomy and made Birr a global hub.
“From 1845 to 1914, anyone chasing the stars had to come to Birr,” the Science Centre boasts.
[](https://birrcastle.com/heritage/)
Mary, Countess of Rosse, his wife, wasn’t just a financier—she was a pioneer, her 1850s darkroom one of Europe’s oldest.
Their son, Laurence, 4th Earl, measured lunar heat, while Charles Parsons invented the steam turbine, powering ships and cities.
By 1908, the telescope fell into disrepair, its mirror shipped to London and its metal melted for World War I.
Restored in the 1990s, it still works, a relic of Ireland’s scientific golden age.
[](https://www.historyhit.com/locations/birr-castle/)
Today, the I-LOFAR radio telescope, opened in 2017, keeps Birr on the cutting edge, scanning solar storms and pulsars.
The Birr Castle telescope isn’t just history—it’s a challenge to keep pushing the unknown.
Gardens That Defy Time
Birr Castle’s 120-acre demesne is a living museum, home to 5,000 plant species and 40 champion trees.
The gardens, started in the 18th century, exploded under Anne, Countess of Rosse, in 1936, with the world’s tallest box hedges.
Rare plants, like the Dawn Redwood from China in 1945, were collected by the Earls on global expeditions.
“We’ve got magnolias, wisteria over 100 years old, and rhododendrons that’ll stop your heart,” says the current Countess, Alison.
Trails wind past rivers, a lake, and waterfalls, with otters, herons, and kingfishers lurking.
The 1820 suspension bridge, recently restored, sways over the Camcor River, though it’s closed for safety.
St Brendan’s Well, from the 6th century, is the demesne’s oldest relic, its spring water still flowing.
The Formal Gardens, with their hornbeam cloisters, are a riot of color in summer, designed by Lady Rosse.
Visitors rave about the 10km of walks, but the treehouse, Ireland’s tallest, is closed until Spring 2026 for upgrades.
These gardens aren’t just pretty—they’re a testament to the Parsons’ obsession with nature’s raw power.
Birr Castle Today: A Living Legacy
Birr Castle isn’t a dusty museum—it’s a family home, pulsing with life.
The 7th Earl of Rosse, Brendan Parsons, and his wife, Alison, live there, stewarding its 400-year legacy.
Their kids—Patrick, Alicia, and Michael—are all in on preserving this scientific and botanical time capsule.
The demesne’s open 362 days a year, with Birr Castle opening hours from 9:00 AM, closing at dusk for safety.
Birr Castle tickets grant access to the gardens, Science Centre, Leviathan, I-LOFAR, and playground.
Birr Castle tickets price is around €10–€15 for adults, with kids under 5 free; check birrcastle.com for exact rates.
Birr Castle Tickets price discount is rare, but groups of 15+ or Friends memberships (from €50 for 3 months) save cash.
The Science Centre, with seven galleries, dives into photography, engineering, and astronomy, plus Mary Rosse’s darkroom replica.
Guided castle tours, from May to September, cost extra and are for ages 12+, booked at reception@birrcastle.com.
Planning a Birr castle wedding? The demesne’s stunning grounds host epic events; contact the estate for details.
FAQs: Cracking Open Birr Castle’s Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions About Birr Castle
Who Currently Lives in Birr Castle?
The 7th Earl of Rosse, Brendan Parsons, and his wife, Alison, Countess of Rosse, live in Birr Castle, keeping its 400-year Parsons legacy alive. Brendan, who returned in 1979 after a UN career, and Alison have poured their souls into the gardens, collecting rare plants from Kyrgyzstan to Bhutan. Their three kids—Patrick (Lord Oxmantown), Alicia (General Manager of the Birr Trustee Company), and Michael (ex-National Trust, now in tourism)—are all tied to the estate. Patrick’s in London but plans to return, while Alicia lives at Tullanisk House on-site. This family isn’t just occupying a castle; they’re guardians of a scientific and botanical empire, ensuring Birr castle history thrives.
[](https://birrcastle.com/parsons/)
How Long to Spend at Birr Castle?
Plan 2–3 hours to soak in Birr Castle Demesne, but you could easily lose a day. The 120-acre grounds, with 10km of trails, demand at least an hour to explore rivers, waterfalls, and 5,000 plant species. The Science Centre’s seven galleries, covering the Birr Castle telescope and Mary Rosse’s photography, take 45 minutes if you’re thorough. The Leviathan and I-LOFAR telescopes need 20 minutes to grasp their cosmic weight. Add a guided castle tour (1 hour, May–September, extra cost via Birr Castle tickets) for a deeper dive. Kids will linger at the playground (treehouse closed until 2026). Grab a coffee at the Courtyard Café and picnic by the lake to stretch it out. Tripadvisor reviews suggest longer visits in good weather.
Can You Go Into Birr Castle?
Birr Castle is a private home, so general Birr Castle tickets don’t include interior access. But from May to September, guided tours (Monday–Saturday, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00) let you inside for €10–€15 extra, suitable for ages 12+. Pre-book at reception@birrcastle.com, as spots fill fast. These 60-minute tours, led by Parsons descendants, showcase the Victorian dining room, library, and antiques, weaving Birr castle history from the O’Carrolls to the Leviathan. Groups of 15+ can arrange tours year-round. The rest of the year, you’re limited to the demesne, Science Centre, and Birr Castle telescope. Tripadvisor notes some disappointment if you miss the tour season, so plan ahead.
[](https://birrcastle.com/event/castle-tour-with-general-admission/)[](https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/visit-birr-castle-ireland)
What Is Birr Castle Famous For?
Birr Castle is famous for the Birr Castle telescope, the Leviathan of Parsonstown, built in 1845 by the 3rd Earl, William Parsons. This 72-inch beast, the world’s largest until 1917, revealed spiral galaxies, making Birr a global astronomy hub. The Parsons family’s 400-year legacy in science—photography (Mary Rosse’s 1850s darkroom), engineering (Charles Parsons’ steam turbine), and botany (5,000 plant species)—sets it apart. The 120-acre demesne, with Europe’s tallest box hedges and rare Dawn Redwoods, is a botanical wonder. The I-LOFAR telescope, opened in 2017, keeps Birr cutting-edge. In 2025, it’s on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. Independent.ie named it a top 10 Irish attraction in 2023.
[](https://www.familyfun.ie/birr-castle/)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birr_Castle)
Is Birr Castle Free?
No, Birr Castle isn’t free. Birr Castle tickets price is roughly €10–€15 for adults, €5–€7 for kids (under 5 free), covering the demesne, Science Centre, Birr Castle telescope, and playground. Guided castle tours (May–September) cost extra. Birr Castle Tickets price discount is available for groups of 15+ or Friends memberships (€50 for 3 months, €100 for a year), offering unlimited visits. Free entry isn’t offered, but the demesne’s value—120 acres, 10km trails, 5,000 plants—makes the cost worthwhile, per Tripadvisor reviews. Parking at Marian Hall (€1–€2) isn’t free either. For Birr castle wedding events, contact the estate for pricing. Check birrcastle.com for deals.
[](https://birrcastle.com/frequently-asked-questions/)[](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g212529-d215171-Reviews-Birr_Castle_Demesne-Birr_County_Offaly.html)
Who Is the Current Earl of Rosse?
Brendan Parsons, the 7th Earl of Rosse, is the current lord of Birr Castle. He took the title in 1979 after his father’s death, returning from a UN Development Programme career. With his wife, Alison, Countess of Rosse, he’s transformed the demesne, planting rare trees from Iran to New Zealand. Their three children—Patrick, Alicia, and Michael—carry the torch. Brendan’s passion for Birr castle history and science shines through the I-LOFAR telescope and garden preservation. He’s not just an earl; he’s a steward of a 400-year legacy, ensuring Birr remains a beacon of innovation. His family’s hands-on role, from tours to events like Birr castle wedding, keeps the castle alive.
[](https://birrcastle.com/parsons/)
How Old Is Birr Castle?
Birr Castle is over 850 years old, with roots in 1170 when the O’Carroll clan built a motte-and-bailey fortress. The current structure began in 1620 under Sir Laurence Parsons, who rebuilt the O’Carroll gatehouse. A 1836 fire led to major reconstruction, funded by Mary, Countess of Rosse, adding a third story and dining room. The Birr Castle telescope, built in 1845, and a 1860s square tower mark later additions. Gothicised in the early 1800s, the castle blends Norman, Gothic, and Victorian styles. St Brendan’s Well, from the 6th century, predates it all. Birr castle history spans 14 Parsons generations, making it a living relic.
[](https://birrcastle.com/heritage/)[](https://www.irishhistory.com/architecture-and-monuments/castles/unraveling-the-rich-history-of-birr-castle-co-offaly-ireland/)
Where to Go in Offaly?
Offaly’s a hidden gem, and Birr Castle tops the list of Offaly attractions. Explore its 120-acre demesne, Birr Castle telescope, and Science Centre for €10–€15 (Birr Castle tickets). Charleville Castle in Tullamore, a Gothic masterpiece, offers ghost tours and history. Lough Boora Discovery Park has sculpture trails, cycling, and fairy walks for families. Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century monastic site, stuns with its high crosses and ruins. Kinnitty’s Giltraps Pub, near the Slieve Bloom Mountains, serves a mean Guinness. Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery dives into whiskey heritage. Tripadvisor ranks Birr Castle a must, but Offaly’s mix of nature, history, and pubs like the County Arms Birr makes it a road trip haven.
[](https://www.ireland.com/things-to-do/attractions/birr-castle/)
What Time Does Birr Castle Open?
Birr Castle Demesne opens at 9:00 AM, 362 days a year, with Birr Castle opening hours varying by daylight—closing at dusk (around 4:00 PM in winter, 7:00 PM in summer). Last admission is one hour before closing. Guided castle tours (May–September, extra cost via Birr Castle tickets) run at 11:00, 12:30, and 14:00, Monday–Saturday. The demesne may close in hazardous weather for safety. Check birrcastle.com for exact times, as Birr Castle membership price (€50–€100) includes unlimited visits. Tripadvisor advises arriving early to beat crowds and enjoy the 10km trails. The Courtyard Café opens with the demesne, perfect for a pre-tour coffee.
[](https://birrcastle.com/visit-us/)[](https://www.gardensofireland.ie/garden/birr-castle-gardens-and-science-centre/)
Planning Your Visit: No Excuses
Birr Castle isn’t a casual stop—it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who respects science, nature, or history.
Birr Castle tickets are your key to 120 acres of wonder, from the Leviathan to St Brendan’s Well.
Check Birr Castle opening hours on birrcastle.com—9:00 AM start, but closing varies.
Birr Castle tickets price won’t break you, and Birr Castle Tickets price discount for groups or memberships makes it sweeter.
The castle’s a private home, so book guided tours (May–September) for interior access.
Wheelchair-friendly paths and a Science Centre lift ensure most can explore, though some trails are rough.
[](https://birrcastle.com/visit-us/)
No on-site parking—use Marian Hall’s public lot (€1–€2) across from the entrance (R42 VO27).
Dogs are welcome on leashes, but not in the Science Centre or playground. Picnics? Hell yes, bring one.
Planning a Birr castle wedding? The demesne’s gardens are a dream backdrop; email for quotes.
Birr Castle membership price starts at €50 for three months, perfect for repeat visits.
Offaly’s Darker Side: Leap Castle
Birr Castle’s brilliance contrasts with Offaly’s haunted underbelly.
Leap Castle, 20 minutes away, is Ireland’s most haunted, its oubliette stuffed with bones and its Elemental spirit reeking of decay.
While Birr’s about enlightenment, Leap’s a plunge into human darkness—murders, betrayals, and ghosts that scream.
Read more about Leap’s horrors at Secret Ireland’s Leap Castle.
For more haunted tales, check out Secret Ireland’s haunted castles.
Birr and Leap together? Do Birr by day, Leap by night—if you’ve got the stomach.
Conclusion: Birr Castle’s Unrelenting Pull
Birr Castle isn’t just a place—it’s a force.
The Birr Castle telescope cracked the heavens open, and its gardens hold the earth’s secrets.
Birr castle history, 850 years deep, pulses through the Parsons family, from sieges to steam turbines.
Birr Castle tickets and Birr Castle opening hours make it accessible, with Birr Castle tickets price a steal for what you get.
From Birr castle wedding dreams to Birr Castle membership price, it’s a living legacy.
Offaly attractions like Leap Castle add a dark twist, but Birr’s the beacon of human triumph.
Will you stand before the Leviathan? Book now and tell us—why does Birr call to you? Comment below!
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