Birr Castle Demesne is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary places. Created over generations it is an environmental and scientific time capsule, a living breathing and evolving place of beauty and inspiration. Now is the time to see Ireland’s finest private collection of magnolias in bloom and the cherry blossoms appearing in a riot of pastel colour. The alluring daffodils and bluebells are strewn throughout the demesne now. In March the camelia walk bursts into flower, alongside glorious peonies as the cherry blossoms fade for another year. There is also an abundance of wild garlic, wild snowflake, heathers and one of Ireland’s finest wildflower meadows which will be in its full glory by mid-June.
Pic Tina Claffey
Cherry blossom
Plants and trees have inspired artists and poets over many years and are now inspiring a whole new generation of photographers and instagrammers, with the hashtag #cherryblossom garnering almost 10 million posts on Instagram. Birr Castle Demesne will continue to plant in the region of one hundred cherry blossom trees over by the end of 2025. Grainne O’Malley, (General Manager of Birr Castle Demesne) says “These beautiful trees will bring early season flowers that will attract and feed bees, as well as providing a feast for the soul. The trees will provide a living space for birds, beetles and a variety of insects too. Their beautiful pink flowers will be a treat for the senses, and this project will create another area of wonder within the Demesne.”
Pic Paul Moore
The Formal Gardens
The lilac in the formal garden will bring stunning colour in May along with the wonderous wisteria tucked away in an intimate pergola. This will culminate in the wild flower meadows in June, alongside summer roses and a vast array of other flowers on the terrace walk. In summer, 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. The formal Gardens boasts the world’s tallest box hedges.
Pic Tina Claffey
Make very second count
Whether it is the Formal Gardens, the incredible Great Famous telescope, the well marked trails, the waterfall, the historic Science Centre or the magical three-storey fairy tale treehouse, there is certainly something for everyone in Birr Castle Demesne. Just make sure you allocate plenty of time for that day out. For more information visit Birr Castle or follow them on twitterBirrCastle, InstagramBirr Castle Demesne or Facebook Birr Castle Gardens. For more activities in the area see more
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