Birr Castle & Gardens

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The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Demesne in Ireland are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering, as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. Celebrating 400 years in 2021, this remarkable family have resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne, that is now home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. The Parsons family invite you to explore one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland. Created over generations it is an environmental and a scientific time capsule. World Heritage Aspirations Ireland has three historic observatories that possess a remarkable astronomical heritage, one that stretches all the way back to the Georgian era. These are the observatories of Birr, Armagh and Dunsink. All three remain active today, places where frontline science continues to be carried out while also serving as centres for communicating science to the public and explaining it to students. Their heritage is entwined with the telescopes they possess, pioneering instruments of their time that are still found largely in situ today, in how these telescopes were used, and in the science that was carried out there. The heritage is so strong and so worthy of greater protection that these three Irish observatories have come together to seek UNESCO world heritage listing. World Heritage is a designation provided by UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Your ticket gives you access to: The Gift Shop (contactless payment available) 120 Acres of Parkland Bathroom facilities Open 09:00-16.30 daily, last entry 15.30 10km of walks Waterfall Treehouse Playground 7-Gallery Science Centre Red Tree Trail: 5km and 65 Trees of Distinction The Gallery Challenge The Solar Trail The Quest (weather permitting) The Engineering Trail The Flora Trail (April-June) Bird Spotter’s Guide

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