Exploring Knowledge at Birr Castle Demesne

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy, and botany.

We aim to bring the story of the Parsons family to life and inspire students in their exploration of science, astronomy, engineering and biodiversity through a wide selection of curriculum-linked sessions. Discover our lively, interactive learning opportunities here at Birr Castle Demesne.

Tour Options for Primary Schools

Child Exploring

Self-Guided Tour

Self-guided tour of the demesne includes access to the following:

  • 120 acres of parklands
  • The Great Telescope
  • Seven science galleries
  • I-LOFAR

Includes the welcome video with brief overview of the demesne and self-guided map.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

€7.00 per student

Education Group Enquiry

Please note this is an enquiry form only and by sending this form in does not confirm your booking. We will check availability and come back to you with a reply to your query as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please Note:
Red Tree Trails

Self-Guided Tour with Trail

Upgrade your self-guided tour to include one of our exciting trails, Choose from:
  • Bird Spotting (outdoor)
  • Flora Trail (outdoor) - May to June
  • Engineering Trail (outdoor)
  • The Gallery Challenge (indoor)
  • X-trail Solar trail (outdoor)
  • Red Tree Trail (outdoor 5KM long)

For trail suitability, please email education@birrcastle.com

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

€8.00 per student

Education Group Enquiry

Please note this is an enquiry form only and by sending this form in does not confirm your booking. We will check availability and come back to you with a reply to your query as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please Note:

Tour Options for Post Primary

Children Meadow

Self-Guided Tour

Self-guided tour of the demesne includes access to the following:

  • 120 acres of parklands
  • The Great Telescope
  • Seven science galleries
  • I-LOFAR

Includes the welcome video with brief overview of the demesne and self-guided map.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

€7.00 per student

Education Group Enquiry

Please note this is an enquiry form only and by sending this form in does not confirm your booking. We will check availability and come back to you with a reply to your query as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please Note:
Kids Trail Questions The Great Telescope

Self-Guided Tour with Trail

Upgrade your self-guided tour to include one of our exciting trails, Choose from:
  • Bird Spotting (outdoor)
  • Flora Trail (outdoor) - May to June
  • Engineering Trail (outdoor)
  • The Gallery Challenge (indoor)
  • X-trail Solar trail (outdoor)
  • Red Tree Trail (outdoor 5KM long)

For trail suitability, please email education@birrcastle.com

Price includes trail map and eco-friendly pencil.

Students must always be accompanied by their teachers at all times whilst in the Demesne.

€8.00 per student

Education Group Enquiry

Please note this is an enquiry form only and by sending this form in does not confirm your booking. We will check availability and come back to you with a reply to your query as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please Note:
Kids-Walking-Towards-Telescope

Guided Discovery Tour

Our experienced tour guide will take your students on a fascinating 60-minute outdoors discovery tour, which will include the history of the castle, the Great Telescope, the Steam Turbine invented by Charles Parsons, and the state-of-the-art I-LOFAR telescope. After the tour, students will have access to the Science Galleries.

Student numbers and times must be agreed in advance.

Price includes guided tour and access to the demesne.

€9.00 per student

Education Group Enquiry

Please note this is an enquiry form only and by sending this form in does not confirm your booking. We will check availability and come back to you with a reply to your query as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please Note:

Explore Our Videos to Resources and Wildlife

For self guided school tours please contact education@birrcastle.com and they will be happy to send you more details by email on what we can offer Primary Schools and Secondary Schools.

Ecology and Pond Dipping at Birr Castle Demesne - Catherine McGuinness

Ecology and Pond Dipping at Birr Castle Demesne - Catherine McGuinness

X-Trails-Solar-Trail-at-Birr-Castle-Demesne

X-Trails Solar Trail at Birr Castle Demesne

Biodiversity-at-Birr-Castle-Demesne-Dr.-Alex

Biodiversity at Birr Castle Demesne - Dr. Alex Copeland