Now is the fantastic time to visit Birr Castle Demesne where the gardens are home to an abundance of rare plants, collected by the Earls of Rosse on their travels around the world over the last 150 years. Within the 50 hectares you will find the world’s tallest box hedges, over 50 champion trees, over 5000 species of plants as well as rivers, lake and waterfalls. The Red Tree Trail is new for 2021 and includes 65 Trees of distinction. Covering over 5 km this might be a trail you can enjoy over multiple visits.
Birr now has plant material collected and subscribed for by three generations of the family, as well as some of the most famous plant hunters, past and present. It was the first garden in Ireland to receive specimens the Dawn Redwood after its discovery in China in 1945. The planting has been hugely expanded on in the past thirty years through plant hunting expeditions by the current Earl and Countess including countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, New Zealand, China and Bhutan.
In the magnificent formal gardens, you will find the romantic hornbeam cloister walk, planted by Anne, Countess of Rosse in 1936 to celebrate her marriage to Michael, 6th Earl of Rosse. It boasts the world’s tallest box hedges. Tucked away in an intimate courtyard is a pergola with a spectacular wisteria. A collection of old roses compliments the delphinium border in season.
The best views of the Castle are from the Terraces as you reach them along the Moat Walk. In summer they are a blaze of colour, full of a large range of herbaceous plants selected by Lady Rosse. You can book an outdoor Guided Discovery Tour as part of your general admission lasting 60 minutes which will show highlights around the Demesne.
Shane Hollywood, Birr’s Head Garden (since 2002) recently marked 30 years of working in the Gardens and has plenty of stories to tell in this short video where the love he has for the Gardens is fully evident!
Birr Castle Demesne has successfully completed the Failte Ireland Covid-19 Safety charter. The Gardens are just one of a number of attractions at the Demesne with something for everyone. Visitors are invited to check out all updates on the web. See www.birrcastle.com
For further information or to request a visit to the gardens please contact:
Niamh O’Carroll 087 6286171 niamh@ocarrollconsulting.com
