Set in southwest of Offaly, Birr is the one of the most attractive and well kept towns in the county. With tree-lined avenues, Georgian Houses and heaving with history, Birr is one of Ireland’s premier heritage towns and proud of its unique character spanning many centuries.
The town's most famous landmark, Birr Castle Demesne, has been the seat of the Parsons family – the Earls of Rosse – for fourteen generations. Today the Castle Gardens & Science Centre attracts tourists throughout the year, captivated by the stunning formal gardens, the Great Telescope and the grandeur of the castle itself.
The town is also home to the renowned the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre – an essential regional stop-off for all major drama, dance, opera and comedy performances.
Festival Venues
Birr Theatre
& Arts Centre
Nestled in the tree-lined Oxmantown Mall, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre is a dedicated purpose-built theatre which dates from 1888.
Having fallen into disrepair during the eighties and nineties, Birr Stage Guild set about restoring and refurbishing this Victorian theatre building to its original glory with seating capacity for 220 with both public funds and local fundraising.
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​​​​​It is now a high-quality facility, which provides a base for year-round development of the Arts in Birr and environs, the rest of the County of Offaly and the wider region.
Birr Castle Demesne
​Birr Castle Demesne is not just a historic landmark; it is a living testament to Ireland's cultural and scientific heritage. Whether exploring the castle's rich history, marveling at the wonders of the universe, or simply basking in the serenity of the gardens, visitors are sure to be captivated by the allure of one of Ireland's top tourist attractions.
St Brendan's Church of Ireland
St. Brendan's Church of Ireland was begun in 1815 on a site donated by Sir Lawrence Parsons. It was built in the Gothic style and designed by John Johnson. Its situation at the end of Oxmanstown Mall enhances its prominence in the landscape of the town and one of its main features is the 100ft high tower.
St Brendan's R.C. Church
The Christian community in Birr dates back to St. Brendan 'the Elder' who chose Birr, "the place of the springs", for the location of his monastic community in the middle of the 6th Century. The famous copy of the four Gospels was created here. It is better known as The Book Of Birr or McRegol Gospel.
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This church was built in 1817 and designed by Bernard Mullins who also designed Crinkill Barracks just outside the town.
Craughwell's Courtyard
This family-run pub is one of the most popular spots to visit in Birr. Located on Castle Street, it hosts one of our most popular events each year, our Saturday lunchtime concert.