Ireland's tallest Treehouse is officially reopened in Birr Castle
‘He said the Demesne provides a variety of activities meeting the needs of all ages’
IRELAND'S tallest Treehouse was officially reopened, after an 18 month period of refurbishment and extension, in Birr Castle Demesne on Thursday afternoon last.
The newly reimagined Treehouse, one of Birr Castle Demesne's most popular attractions, now features an additional tower, a tube slide and enhanced play areas, providing even more opportunities for adventure for children aged six and over.
Combined with the recently launched Discovery Train, which makes the Demesne more accessible to all generations, the Board of Management says that the general admission price now offers “exceptional value”, giving visitors access to 120 acres of “spectacular gardens and parklands, over 10 kilometres of walking trails, Ireland's Historic Science Centre, the iconic Great Telescope, seven science galleries, and an abundance of wildlife, rivers, waterfalls and one of Europe's finest collections of rare plants and trees.”
John O'Grady, General Manager of Birr Castle Demesne, said it was a real pleasure to celebrate the opening of “this wonderful new treehouse here at Birr Castle Demesne”, following a major enhancement programme.
He said Birr Castle has always been a place where history, science, nature, and imagination come together, “and today we add another exciting chapter to that story with the reopening of Ireland's tallest treehouse, now enhanced with a new tower and tube slide for even more adventure.”
He said projects like this remind us of the importance of investing in spaces that bring people together. “They enrich our community, welcome visitors from near and far, and ensure that Birr Castle continues to inspire future generations, just as it has done for so many years.”
John praised the Parsons family for their continued stewardship of “this remarkable estate.” He also praised Proludic and Garden Escapes for their professionalism. Proludic is a French company which makes the equipment used in the treehouse. Garden Escapes is a Northern Irish company which installed Proludic's equipment. John also praised Shane Hollywood and the Garden Team, Lorna Shannon and the visitor experience team, Maria McGovern, John Carroll Chairman of the Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation, and the Board members of the Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation “whose vision, hard work, and dedication made this project possible.” He pointed out that everyone's commitment “has created something truly special that will be enjoyed by thousands of families in the years ahead.”
“A chairde uilig,” said John Carroll, “tá áthas agus bród orm a bheith i láthair inniu ag ceiliúradh an t-athoscailt an Teach crann is airde in Éireann. Ba mhaith liom mo fíor buíochas a gabhail do gach uile dhuine a thug cabhair chun an lá seo a bhaint amach. Táim ag smaoineamh go háirithe ar Maria McGovern a chuir a croí isteach sa tionscadal seo agus ar an mboird le breis agus 10 bliain go háirithe anuraidh nuair bhí easpa ceannairí sár a tháinig John I mhí meán fómhair. Ni déanaimid dearmad ort Maria agus an mhéid a thug tú don Fondúireacht.”
Mr Carroll said this was another very important day in the history of Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation “as we strive to develop this facility as one of the must visit sites for Irish families and overseas families.” He said the Demesne provides a variety of activities meeting the needs of all ages. It includes the extended and refurbished Tree House (which meets the needs of the younger members of the family) and the Science Centre (for the older members). He said the Demesne also contains rare trees and plants; the Giant Telescope; the I-LOFAR Radio Telescope; and the refusbished glass house. “When I visit I take pride in seeing the O'Carroll oak which was planted pre-1620 when the O'Carrolls held sway in this territory.”
He thanked all the Volunteers who have served or are presently serving on the Board of the Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation (BSHF). He said the Oxmantown Settlement Trust owns the Demesne and leases the Demesne to the BSHF (for a nominal sum). He said the BSHF, which was established in the 1990s, operates as a Charity. Its aim is to advance education and science through the awareness of the Scientific and Cultural Heritage of Birr, “and today it strives to achieve those objectives and to ensure the wonderful grounds and amenities are available throughout the year as a public amenity to the wider community. As a Charity any surplus achieved from trading is reinvested to ensure an enhanced experience for our visitors, hence the investment in this wonderful Treehouse as an amenity for our patrons.”
The Chairman pointed out that as we seek to develop the potential of Birr as a tourist destination, the BSHF sees the Demesne as a key component of that vision. “We in BSHF wish to build a partnership with Birr Tidy Towns, Birr 20:20 Vision and the wider business community and tourism providers, to develop a strategy which will see Birr being spoken of in the same breath as Kilkenny, Westport and Killarney. I have no doubt that this Demesne, under the management of our charitable foundation, has the potential to attract greater numbers of tourists to our town and in doing that give an increased commercial spinoff to local businesses. As always, our strength is in our unity.”
The Chairman then formally declared the newly refurbished and extended Treehouse officially open. He invited a long-serving and hardworking member of the BSHF Board, Salters Sterling, to officially cut the opening ribbon.
Mr Carroll subsequently told the Tribune that the BSHF Board consists of 11 members, including Professor Peter Gallagher of I-LOFAR, Deirdre Fox of Offaly Volunteer Centre and Jim Deegan, a lecturer in the University of Limerick.
Professor Gallagher told the Tribune that an upcoming highlight in the Demesne is an Eclipse 26 viewing event on August 12th which will be open to the general public from 6pm. This will be a solar eclipse.
Another upcoming highlight is “An Afternoon of Fashion: The Countess Collection”, featuring special tours during Heritage Week. Further details and the full programme of upcoming events are available at birrcastle.com/events.