Birr Town
Birr is one of Ireland’s finest examples of an 18/19th century Georgian town; formal, spacious and well planned with Georgian houses along its tree-lined malls.
Also, Birr is a unique heritage town served by Birr Town Council. The Town Council provide essential services - including housing, roads and water, planning, street cleaning and amenities.
Local Attractions
BIRR CASTLE
Ireland's new Historic Science Centre features the many pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and of other great Irish scientists in the fields of astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture. In the grounds, the Great Telescope built by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840's; this was the largest in the world for 70 years. Birr Castle Demesne also hosts the most amazing Gardens in the country with Formal Garden and River Garden recently restored, parkland with thousands of rare trees and plants collected all over the world, rivers, lake and waterfalls. The neogothic Castle is the private family home of the Parsons family.
CLONMACNOISE
The ancient monastic site of Clonamcnoise is one of Eurpoe's most highly regarded sites of its kind.
It was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran. The monastic runis are the most extensive of their kind in Ireland consisting of a catherdral, 8 churches, 2 round towers &3 high crosses.
there are also the remains of a 12th century castle.
CLONFERT
Once a famous centre of learning, the Clonfert monastery was founded by Brendan the Navigator in 563 AD. Subsequently a Cathedral was built in 1200 AD whose beautiful round arched west doorway is an exceptional relic of Irish Romanesque architecture.
Entertainment
BIRR THEATER AND ARTS CENTRE
Nestled in the tree lined Oxmantown Mall, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is a dedicated purpose built theatre which dates from 1888.
Castleview Resources
Churches in Birr
Located in Birr are the following three churches:
- Roman Catholic Church
- Church of Ireland
- Birr Methodist Church
Birr Vintage Week
Birr Vintage Week is an annual occurance in Birr Town
Events include; Olde Time Fair Green, Sunday Parade of vintage cars, engines, horses and carriages, marching bands, jugglers & clowns, street theatre, extensive exhibition trail, 36th Annual Antique & Fine Arts Fair, costume competitions, Old style shopwindows, candle lit nights in local pubs, historical walking tours.
Film nights and live theatre productions, Ormond Flying Club's annual Fly-in, Free daily children's events, Vintage & Modern Sports events, Photography Competition, Carlsberg pub competitions, Carlsberg Donkey Derby, Camcor Capers, Barman's Race, Live music, and lastly a spectacular fireworks display.