Clonmacnoise & Birr: Luxury Private History Tour
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Overview
The Clonmacnoise and Birr Castle Tour whisks visitors away on a historical adventure through Ireland's heartland. This private tour is perfect for people who love history and science. They'll travel in a fancy car with a guide who knows everything about the area.
First, the tour stops at Clonmacnoise, an old Christian spot from the 6th century. Here, folks can see old ruins and tall stone crosses that tell stories of the past. Then, they’ll head to Birr Castle, where the giant Birr Telescope stands. For many years, it was the biggest telescope in the whole world. The tour includes a ride in a comfy, air-conditioned car and a friendly guide who speaks English. Food and entry tickets are not included. However, visitors have concierge services available to help skip the queues to get into the sites.
This tour lasts 10 hours, with hotel pick-up at 8 am and drop-off at 6 pm. People will enjoy seeing Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle Demesne, and The Great Birr Telescope. This is a private tour which only includes transportation and an English-speaking guide.
Highlights
Explore Clonmacnoise: See the ruins of an early Christian monastery founded in the 6th century.
Visit Birr Castle: Discover the historic home of the Parsons family and its amazing gardens.
See the Great Birr Telescope: Marvel at the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years.
Enjoy a Private Tour: Travel in comfort with a personal guide in a luxury vehicle.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the tour because it was well-organized and educational. The guide made the experience special. Some people thought the tour could be better if tickets were included and more time was spent at each stop.

Customers enjoyed the guide's knowledge and friendly attitude.
They appreciated the flexibility and personalized experience of the private tour.
Visitors found the historical sites fascinating and well-preserved.
The luxury vehicle was comfortable and made the long journey enjoyable.
Some visitors felt that the cost of admission tickets should have been included.
A few customers wished there was more time at each location.
The Journey
Clonmacnoise
Step back in time at Clonmacnoise, a serene and historically significant early Christian monastic site nestled on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded in the 6th century by St. Ciarán, this sacred place thrived for centuries as a center of religion, learning, and craftsmanship. Explore the evocative ruins of churches, admire the intricate carvings of the high crosses, and stand in awe of the round towers that once safeguarded precious manuscripts. Clonmacnoise offers a peaceful immersion into Ireland's monastic past and a profound connection to its spiritual roots, with travel time included in the visit.
Birr Castle Demesne
Discover the enchanting Birr Castle Demesne, a historic estate that blends architectural grandeur with stunning natural beauty. Home to the Parsons family since the 17th century, the castle showcases a fascinating mix of medieval and Victorian styles. Wander through the meticulously landscaped gardens, home to rare and exotic plants from around the world. Explore the science center to learn about the castle's contributions to astronomy and marvel at the legacy of the Birr Telescope. Birr Castle provides a captivating glimpse into Irish history, science, and horticultural artistry.
The Great Birr Telescope
Experience the awe-inspiring Great Birr Telescope, a monumental feat of 19th-century engineering and scientific vision. Also known as the 'Leviathan of Parsonstown', this colossal telescope, built by the Third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s, reigned as the world's largest for over 70 years. Its massive 72-inch mirror allowed astronomers to peer into the depths of space, making groundbreaking discoveries about distant galaxies and nebulae. Now restored, the Great Birr Telescope stands as a testament to Irish ingenuity and a symbol of our enduring quest to understand the universe, with travel time back to your hotel included in the visit.
Know Before You Go
This private tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide. It starts with hotel pick-up at 8 am and drop-off at 6 pm. Meals and admission fees are not included. Admission tickets to sites are available for an additional fee, with concierge service to skip queues.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers recommend bringing snacks and drinks. Some suggested checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately, as the sites are mostly outdoors.