Best of Birr

In the heart of Ireland’s lush Midlands, Birr is the gateway to rushing rivers, rolling hills and vast tracts of woodlands. It’s a delight to stroll the lanes of the small town on the banks of the Little Brosna River. Birr was designated a heritage town for its Georgian architecture as well as its 17th-century castle and sprawling gardens. Beyond the village, you’ll find even more castles as well as nature reserves ideal for hiking and other activities. Both County Offaly and Birr draw far fewer visitors than coastal destinations and offer an authentic side of Ireland. 

You can’t pass through County Offaly without visiting at least one of its impressive castles. At Leap Castle, you can look for ghosts in one of Ireland’s most haunted places. Bigger Birr Castle has a wide range of sights, including walking trails, a lake and a hands-on science center. A 30-minute drive north of Birr, Clonmacnoise is an early Christian site that dates back to the 6th century, and you can explore the ruins of its cathedral, high stone crosses and towers overlooking the River Shannon. The town of Tullamore is home to a renowned whiskey producer, offering tours through its state-of-the-art distillery and the opportunity to drink straight from the cask.