One of the remarkable things in Irish history is when a family has managed to maintain their estates for hundreds of years. Birr Castle is one of these. Founded in 1620 by the Parsons, later the Earls of Rosse, the Parsons family has managed to keep a firm hold on their estate and have done a marvelous job of keeping the castle, as well as the grounds, in such fine glory.

The Demesne is entered through a small gateouse at the edge of the town of Birr, which grew up in the shadow of the castle estate, much the same as Adare Village did with Adare Manor. Huge bawn walls continue to surround this estate to maintain privacy and security, as in days of old, and is entered into by a single gatehouse.

Upon entering visitors are greated by several acres of lush lawn and woodland. The estate was landscaped in the 18th century and maintains, to this day, the original layout and designs, which include formal gardens, woodland walks, a river, small lake, the Shell Well, a second gatehouse (photo left) that leads into the castle itself and informal gardens which surround the castle.

While the castle itself is actually closed to the public, the Parsons still residing within, the estate is the focal point. 30 foot boxwood hedges and exotic trees and shrubs were gathered during foreign travels that were sponsored by the 6th Earl of Rosse. Magnolias and maple are particularly striking when in season. During the summer months it's not uncommon for buggy races on the main lawn!

Probably the second most intriguing interest on the Birr Demesne is the telescope (photo below right). It was built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse in 1845 and was the largest telescope in the world until recent times.

The Earls of Rosse were actually quite noted in the field of astronomy in their time.