As magnificent as it is imposing, Birr Castle is a fortress built in the village of Birr, County Offaly. Although the rooms are closed to visitors, the gardens are open to the public, as are the Science Museum and its marvellous telescope…
Particularly well preserved, Birr Castle was built around 1170 for the O’Carroll family. Built in the middle of an estate of several hectares, it was erected on an area known as the “Ely O’Carroll”, in memory of an early member of the family.
For several centuries, the fort remained in the hands of the O’Carrolls until 1620, when Sir Charles O’Carroll died. In the absence of an heir, Birr Castle was entrusted to Sir Laurence Parsons, along with a small part of the surrounding estate. Faced with the dilapidated state of the building, the new owner decided to renovate the château and build a brand-new one near the gateway to the original fort.
Sir Laurence Parsons, Richard Parsons and then Williams Parsons succeeded each other at the helm of the castle…
It was in 1641, during an Irish rebellion, that Birr Castle was besieged for 15 months by Catholic forces. Following numerous assaults, the castle suffered extensive damage, and it was only in the 19th century that William Parsons undertook further renovation work.
In 1800, another heir to the Parsons family also decided to embark on new renovations, with the aim of giving Birr Castle a more “Gothic” style. This was followed by the construction of the world’s largest telescope, making the castle one of the most modern astronomical observatories of its time. Unfortunately, the telescope is fragile, and deteriorates very quickly. The mirror was then exhibited at the Science Museum in London, and a metal part of the telescope was melted down in 1914 for re-use during the First World War.
After several intermediate restoration attempts, the telescope was finally restored in the late 1990s.
Unfortunately, the rooms of Birr Castle are closed to the public, but fortunately you can console yourself with the castle’s wonderful gardens, as well as a visit to the castle’s large telescope. Along the way, you’ll discover a comprehensive exhibition on the castle’s history and scientific reputation.
The telescope was indeed one of the fort’s centerpieces, and many of the world’s leading lights came to Birr to observe the stars. Although now obsolete, this famous telescope turns the castle into a veritable science museum, where you can admire an exhibition on astronomy.
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daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
