Birr Castle Walks
This circular loop walk explores the area around the historic Birr Castle in the town of Birr in County Offaly.
The walk additionally includes a pleasant stoll along the River Camcor, which runs through the town.
The castle is the ancestral home of the 7th Earl of Rosse and his family. While the castle itself is generally not open to the public, the expansive grounds and gardens of the demesne are accessible for visitors. The public can explore a variety of attractions within the demesne, including the Science Centre, a café, and a shop.
To continue your exploration of local castles head east to pick up the Kinnitty Castle Loop Walk. The trail explores a photogenic Gothic Revival Castle with more views of the Camcor River Valley.
Please click here for more information
Birr Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ireland Walking Map - View All the Routes in the Country>>
Birr Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Birr Castle
Castle gardens
The grounds of Birr Castle demesne are extensive, running south and south-east of Birr town centre. The main public entrance is through a courtyard, which provides access to the gardens, Science Centre, and other visitor facilities. Although there is no direct public access to the castle itself, the demesne offers scenic walks along the River Camcor, which flows through a pond before joining the Little Brosna River. This river marks the boundary between Counties Offaly and Tipperary and eventually flows into the Shannon.
The demesne is open to the public for a fee, and an annual subscription is available for those who wish to become Friends of Birr Castle Demesne, allowing for unlimited visits and supporting the preservation of this historic estate.
Birr Castle Telescope. One of the most notable features on the grounds is the Great Telescope—also known as the "Leviathan of Parsonstown"—which was the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years. Built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse in the 1840s, it was a groundbreaking achievement in astronomy.
The grounds of Birr Castle are also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre, a museum that highlights the contributions of Irish scientists to various fields, including astronomy, engineering, photography, and botany. The museum is situated within a courtyard off William Street, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the demesne. The exhibits within the Science Centre cover a range of topics, focusing on the work of notable figures such as the 3rd and 4th Earls of Rosse. Laurence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, along with his mother, Mary Parsons, Countess of Rosse, were particularly prominent in the field of photography. The Countess's darkroom, which is preserved and on display within the museum, is believed to be the oldest surviving darkroom in the world, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of photography. In addition to the photographic history, the museum features displays on the Great Telescope and its impact on astronomy, as well as other scientific advancements made by members of the Parsons family and their associates. This makes the Ireland's Historic Science Centre a key attraction for those interested in both the history of science and the broader cultural heritage of Ireland.
The grounds of Birr Castle are rich in historical features, including the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland, which dates back to 1820. This bridge is a significant piece of engineering heritage, representing early 19th-century craftsmanship. Nearby, there was also an early hydroelectric station, highlighting the innovative use of technology by the castle's residents in harnessing natural resources. In addition to these technological marvels, the castle's walled gardens are home to some remarkable horticultural features. Notably, the Box Hedges in these gardens are over 300 years old and are recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest hedge in the world. These ancient hedges add to the charm and historical significance of the gardens.
The Birr Castle Grey Poplar. Another point of interest is the Birr Castle Grey Poplar (Populus × canescens), which was the Irish entry in the 2014 European Tree of the Year contest. Unfortunately, this notable tree was blown down in a storm in February 2014 while the contest was still ongoing, marking the loss of a natural landmark within the castle grounds.