BIRR CASTLE

7 Treat yourself to a trip to the gardens of Birr Castle in Co Offaly this spring and admire the magnolias in bloom. The gardens are home to an abundance of rare plants collected by the Earls of Rosse on their travels around the world over the last 150 years. Within the 50 hectares, you will find the world’s tallest box hedges, more than 40 champion trees and 2,000 species of plant, as well as rivers, a lake and waterfalls. Admission €9; reception@ birrcastle.com