THE BIRR SCIENTIFIC AND HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation is the charitable organisation that stewards Birr Castle Demesne - a 120-acre parkland in the historic town of Birr, County Offaly. It welcomes families, tourists, scholars and nature lovers to explore award-winning gardens, river walks and a range of scientific attractions, including Ireland's Historic Science Centre, the world-famous Great Leviathan Telescope and one of the oldest darkrooms in existence.

Visitors can enjoy a daily-open Gardens & Science Centre (09:00-16:00), a playground (with the tallest treehouse currently under refurbishment until spring 2026), and guided tours of the castle, which has been home to the Parsons family for over four centuries. The foundation also offers Friends memberships that provide unlimited access, trail maps, discounts in the gift shop and regular updates on events and discoveries.

By preserving rare plant collections, historic engineering artefacts and pioneering astronomical instruments, the Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation delivers an immersive blend of natural beauty, scientific heritage and educational experiences for all ages.