Birr Castle Gardens in the Georgian town of Birr are world famous for the large selection of rare plants collected by the Earls of Ross over the last 150 years. The gardens are just a 15 minute drive from Ardmore Country House. The gardens are home to the world’s tallest box hedges, Ireland’s largest Tree House and adventure centre the Giant Telescope and Science Centre. The castle is still lived in by the Ross family and is open for guided tours on special dates between May and August. The Great Telescope was built in the 1840’s by the third earl of Ross. This Reflecting Telescope remained the largest in the world for over 70 years and is arguably the largest historic scientific instrument still working today.
The interactive science centre houses astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800’s.
Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally belonging to Charles Parsons and used in his experiments as well as a large area devoted to the botanical work carried out in the Demesne.
Opening Hours
16th March – 31st Oct 9:00 – 18:00
1st November – 15th March 10:00 – 16:00
Birr is just a 10 minute drive from Kinnitty. After you have spent time exploring the gardens take a walk around the beautiful Georgian town of Birr.
To reserve accommodation at Ardmore Country House near Birr Castle
Customer Reviews
Thank you to all our guests who have shown their appreciation for the hospitality we offer and for taking time to write the lovely reviews of Ardmore Country House Kinnitty. We at are delighted to be ranked in the top three bed and breakfasts in Ireland by The Independent reader travel awards 2022 and in the top 10% of hotels worldwide on Trip Advisor and receive the Traveller’s Choice Award 2020.
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