Birr Castle is noted for many things: its five-star gardens, its archives preserved through the ages, and as the home of the family which has lived in it for 14 successive generations. Of particular interest, however, is its contribution to science, particularly in the fields of astronomy and engineering.
The site of Birr Castle first entered the Parsons family in 1620. In the 18th century, Sir Laurence Parsons heightened and gothicized the original castle. Possibly of even greater importance for the future, he, or his wife, Alice Lloyd of Gloster, whose interests included astronomy, insisted that their sons be educated by tutors at home.
The elder son, William, became one of the best-known astronomers of his age. He began by constructing a telescope which he erected in front of the castle in 1826. During the 1840's, William, the third Earl of Rosse, designed and built the mirrors, tube and mountings for a 72-inch reflecting telescope, which remained the largest in the world for three-quarters of a century. Its tube, over 50 feet long and 7 feet wide, may still be seen today. With this instrument, Lord Rosse was able to study and record details of distant stellar objects and to provide evidence that many of these mysterious nebulae were actually galaxies located far outside our own. Birr became the mecca for all interested in astronomy, because it was the only place on earth from which such distant galaxies could be seen.
Ireland's Historic Science Center at Birr contains astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800’s. Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally belonging to Charles Parsons and used in his experiments. The whole collection is housed in the restored stables of the castle.
What is hotel barging?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.
This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!
European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.
The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.
Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
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