Tullamore Court Hotel

Great Telescope

One of the highlights of Birr Castle Demesne is the Great Telescope. Constructed in the 1840's by the third Earl of Rosse, this was the largest telescope for over 70 years and attracted astronomers from all over the world to view for the first time, the spiral shape of the galaxies.

The first objects to be observed with the 72 inch telescope were the star Castor, which is one of the main stars in the constellation Gemini. Today the telescope looks and moves just as it did over 150 years ago and demonstrations are held daily. 

For more information see http://www.birrcastle.com/telescopeHistory.asp

Approx Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 20mins drive