Birr Castle, Medieval castle in Birr, Ireland.
The castle stands as a Victorian Gothic structure with twin flanking towers, surrounded by 120 acres of gardens and scientific installations.
The original Norman fortress from 1170 transformed into the current residence through modifications by the O'Carroll clan and later the Parsons family from 1620.
The castle maintains a science center exhibiting the works of Mary Countess of Rosse, a pioneer in early photography with one of Europe's first darkrooms.
Visitors can access the gardens and science center daily, while guided tours of the castle interior operate from May through September with advance reservations.
The Great Telescope, constructed in 1845 by the third Earl of Rosse, held the title of world's largest telescope for over 70 years.
Location: Birr
Architectural style: Victorian architecture
GPS coordinates: 53.09532,-7.91554
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:43
This selection presents Ireland's natural landscapes and historic sites. The locations range from coastal cliffs and mountain ranges to medieval castles and lighthouses. The route covers all regions of Ireland and includes national parks, islands, walking trails and archaeological sites.
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Leviathan of Parsonstown
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Faddan More Psalter
6.5 km
Lusmagh
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Lackeen Castle
10.6 km
Victoria Lock
13.7 km
Banagher Bridge
12.1 km
Meelick Martello Tower
13.9 km
Lismacrory Mounds
10.1 km
Cloghan Castle
11 km
St. Ruadhan's Church, Lorrha
13.7 km
Manchester Martyrs Memorial
273 m
Lorrha Priory of St. Ruadhan
13.8 km
Ivy Bridge
670 m
Seirkieran Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site
8.3 km
Cumberland Column
327 m
Riverstown Bridge
1.5 km
St Paul's Church
10.7 km
St Brendan's Church
482 m
Meelick weir
13.9 km
Oxmantown Bridge
554 m
Chain Bridge, Birr Castle
27 m
St Brendan's Catholic Church
494 m
Wesleyan Chapel
420 m
Grey Poplar, Birr Castle
99 m
3-foot Telescope
118 m
St Brendan's Market
540 m
Fort Eliza
11.9 kmReviews
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