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
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.
Education Group Enquiry
- Payment in full prior to the day of visit only. We accept payment by CC, bank transfer or cheque, please make cheques payable to The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. A pro-forma invoice will be issued on confirmation of your booking.
- On confirmation of your booking, we will require a copy of student/school policy document.
- Please note all students must be in the company of their teachers at all times.
- The playground is not suitable for Post Primary Students.
- Please notes once your booking has been confirmed we ask groups arriving for a workshop to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the workshop start time.
- We ask that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the education tour/workshop, and recording of educational activities of any sort without prior permission is not permitted. Please note the playground is not a suitable location for secondary level students. Thank you.
Self-Guided Tour with Trail
- 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.
Education Group Enquiry
- Payment in full prior to the day of visit only. We accept payment by CC, bank transfer or cheque, please make cheques payable to The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. A pro-forma invoice will be issued on confirmation of your booking.
- On confirmation of your booking, we will require a copy of student/school policy document.
- Please note all students must be in the company of their teachers at all times.
- The playground is not suitable for Post Primary Students.
- Please notes once your booking has been confirmed we ask groups arriving for a workshop to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the workshop start time.
- We ask that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the education tour/workshop, and recording of educational activities of any sort without prior permission is not permitted. Please note the playground is not a suitable location for secondary level students. Thank you.
Tour Options for Post Primary
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.
Education Group Enquiry
- Payment in full prior to the day of visit only. We accept payment by CC, bank transfer or cheque, please make cheques payable to The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. A pro-forma invoice will be issued on confirmation of your booking.
- On confirmation of your booking, we will require a copy of student/school policy document.
- Please note all students must be in the company of their teachers at all times.
- The playground is not suitable for Post Primary Students.
- Please notes once your booking has been confirmed we ask groups arriving for a workshop to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the workshop start time.
- We ask that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the education tour/workshop, and recording of educational activities of any sort without prior permission is not permitted. Please note the playground is not a suitable location for secondary level students. Thank you.
Self-Guided Tour with Trail
- 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.
Education Group Enquiry
- Payment in full prior to the day of visit only. We accept payment by CC, bank transfer or cheque, please make cheques payable to The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. A pro-forma invoice will be issued on confirmation of your booking.
- On confirmation of your booking, we will require a copy of student/school policy document.
- Please note all students must be in the company of their teachers at all times.
- The playground is not suitable for Post Primary Students.
- Please notes once your booking has been confirmed we ask groups arriving for a workshop to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the workshop start time.
- We ask that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the education tour/workshop, and recording of educational activities of any sort without prior permission is not permitted. Please note the playground is not a suitable location for secondary level students. Thank you.
Guided Discovery Tour
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
- Payment in full prior to the day of visit only. We accept payment by CC, bank transfer or cheque, please make cheques payable to The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. A pro-forma invoice will be issued on confirmation of your booking.
- On confirmation of your booking, we will require a copy of student/school policy document.
- Please note all students must be in the company of their teachers at all times.
- The playground is not suitable for Post Primary Students.
- Please notes once your booking has been confirmed we ask groups arriving for a workshop to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the workshop start time.
- We ask that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the education tour/workshop, and recording of educational activities of any sort without prior permission is not permitted. Please note the playground is not a suitable location for secondary level students. Thank you.
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.