Birr Castle Demesne

20 Beautiful Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Next Trip

"Situated almost exactly between Galway and Dublin in central Ireland, this demesne encompasses some 120 picturesque acres of gardens and houses Ireland's Historic Science Centre, home to The Great Telescope — the world's largest when created in the 1840s — and one of the oldest darkrooms still used since the mid-19th century. The on-site Rosse Observatory is run by Trinity College Dublin, and the castle itself, built as a Norman fortress in 1170, has been home to the Parsons family since 1620; family-run guided tours operate from May to September." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines