History of Birr

Student6 Hibernia Class

This is Birr castle; it was built in 1170 by the earl of ross

This is Emmet's square its the center of Birr Town. There is many places located in Emmet's square including the Garda station, Dooley's Hotel and the Emmet House B&B.

This is a map of Birr town,It has a population of about 4,730 people.It is renowned for its historic presence.

This is the Leviathan telescope located in the castle grounds.

The village of Crinkill developed around the barracks. The 1798 Rebellion and subsequent fears of another French invasion of the west of Ireland led to fortification of the line of the River Shannon and Birr was selected as a site for a barracks because it was within a few hours march from Banagher and other fortifications on the river. Building of the barracks at Crinkill began in 1809 and was completed in 1812. The complex could accommodate over 1,200 men and 500 more under canvas and eventually included a chapel, school, its own gasworks, gym, and graveyard. The Leinster Regiment, formed in 1881, had their depot here. The barracks were handed over to the Irish Free State on 13 February 1922 and were burned down by Repubican forces on 14 July 1922. Little now survives at Crinkill except most of the perimeter wall and the graveyard.

One of the gems of Birr architecture, this lovely Gothic building was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin and built in stages from 1845-56. Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, had come in person in 1840 to help her sisters set up a foundation in Birr to be called St. John’s Convent of Mercy. Pugin had French ancestors and visited France to study Gothic art so the little turret near the church may have been inspired by French chateau architecture or by Irish round towers or both.

This is Birr castle; it was built in 1170 by the earl of ross

This is Emmet's square its the center of Birr Town. There is many places located in Emmet's square including the Garda station, Dooley's Hotel and the Emmet House B&B.

This is the Leviathan telescope located in the castle grounds.

The village of Crinkill developed around the barracks. The 1798 Rebellion and subsequent fears of another French invasion of the west of Ireland led to fortification of the line of the River Shannon and Birr was selected as a site for a barracks because it was within a few hours march from Banagher and other fortifications on the river. Building of the barracks at Crinkill began in 1809 and was completed in 1812. The complex could accommodate over 1,200 men and 500 more under canvas and eventually included a chapel, school, its own gasworks, gym, and graveyard. The Leinster Regiment, formed in 1881, had their depot here. The barracks were handed over to the Irish Free State on 13 February 1922 and were burned down by Repubican forces on 14 July 1922. Little now survives at Crinkill except most of the perimeter wall and the graveyard.

One of the gems of Birr architecture, this lovely Gothic building was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin and built in stages from 1845-56. Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, had come in person in 1840 to help her sisters set up a foundation in Birr to be called St. John’s Convent of Mercy. Pugin had French ancestors and visited France to study Gothic art so the little turret near the church may have been inspired by French chateau architecture or by Irish round towers or both.