Birr Castle Estate

Birr Castle Estate

Birr Castle is a large castle located in the town of Birr, County Offaly, Ireland, and serves as the residence of the seventh Earl of Rosse.

The standout feature of Birr Castle is a giant telescope on the ground, equipped with a 72-inch reflector. Constructed in 1845, this telescope was in use for decades, with its last observation taking place in the early 1900s. A larger telescope, the Hooker Telescope, was built in 1917, featuring a 100-inch reflector. The giant telescope at Birr Castle was dismantled in 1914 but has since been restored and is now open to the public.

Laurence Parsons, the fourth Earl of Rosse, and his mother were renowned for photographing celestial objects. The darkroom used by Parsons’ mother is also open to visitors and is believed to be the oldest surviving darkroom in the world. The castle also features one of the oldest wrought-iron bridges in Ireland, dating back to 1820. The gardens at Birr Castle include yew hedges that are over 300 years old and, according to the Guinness World Records, form the tallest hedge in the world.

Birr Castle

Must-visit reason: The world’s tallest hedge

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/State where the attraction is located: County Offaly [County Offaly]