Our locality...

Birr and its immediate environs provides ample opportunity to the visitor to thoroughly enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Irish midlands. We are fortunate to be able to provide a myriad of activities from the hectic pace of flying lessons to the more leisurely pastime of fishing on the River Shannon or hill walking in the nearby Slieve Blooms. Whatever you enjoy we are confident you won't be disappointed if this is your first visit to Offaly, or indeed if you're a regular visitor. Birr is a town steeped in history, and as a heritage town is well known for the quality of architecture of its Georgian houses. This heritage is celebrated on an annual basis with the famous Birr Vintage Festival, and all its associated celebrations. The town is also home to the Parsons family who reside in the stately Birr Castle. The formal gardens have been carefully restored to their original glory in the past number of years and a new science centre was recently opened on the estate. This centre traces the scientific developments of Lord Rosse who was responsible for building the worlds largest telescope on the estate.This has also been restored and can now be seen on the grounds of the estate. Stepping back in time to Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre one can trace the impact of the arrival of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, and, more importantly can follow the distilling process of Tullamore Dew Whiskey and Irish Mist Liquer from its humble beginnings right through to a complimentary tasting of the beverages at the end of the tour. Continuing at a leisurely pace the nearby Slieve Bloom mountains provide the ideal backdrop for a spot of hill walking or indeed pony trekking. There are quite a few equestrian centres in this region who will be happy to offer their services to the visiting tourist. Alternatively, with an area steeped in history it is possible to take a tour of numerous castles in the area. Birr Castle, Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Leap Castle near Kinnitty or indeed Kinnitty Castle itself provide ample examples of classic Irish Castles, many of which are still lived, open to the public for tours or, as Kinnitty Castle is, turned into a top class hotel ! If you enjoy the pace of life to move just that much quicker we have a number of ideas that we think you might enjoy. There are magnificent Golf Courses to challenge the most discerning golfer within a short distance of Birr, in fact there are approximately twelve courses within a forty minute drive of the farmhouse - so, don't forget to bring your clubs ! Would you like to try your hands at the controls of an aeroplane ? We are lucky in the fact that the Ormand Flying Club and airfield is just down the road from us. Or, try a spot of Clay Pigeon shooting in the Slieve Blooms and see how good and accurate your reactions are. Not enough ? How about the Midland Rifle Club where all wannabe Rambo's can try their skill? Whether your pace of life is relaxed or a little lively we should be able to find something of interest for you.And, if all else fails.......there are numerous pubs, clubs, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants where you can really enjoy the type of atmosphere and hospitality that Ireland is famous for. For craic, banter, music, chat, humour and Guinness there's nowhere like a genuine Irish Pub !