Olympian and former reality tv star visits Birr Castle

Olympian and former reality show star Greg O’Shea spent an enjoyable afternoon at Birr Castle Demesne on Sunday, where he got to explore some of the 120 acres of parklands and gardens, check out the Great Telescope and Ireland’s tallest treehouse and he also planted one of the last few Oak trees of the 1000 native trees planted at the demesne this year!

Hot on the heels of Ireland’s favourite celebrity twins, Jedward, it was clear O'Shea, who featured with the Irish Rugby Sevens squad in the Olympics in Tokyo, enjoyed visiting the place described earlier this year by the Lonely Planet as one of the top eight hidden treasures in Ireland for visitors.

The castle gardens are renowned for the abundance of rare plants, collected by the Earls of Rosse on their travels around the world over the last 150 years.

New this year and covering just over 5km is the magnificent Red Tree Trail which includes 65 Trees of distinction, as well as the new Forest Bathing area and Solar Trail. All Trails are included in your general admission ticket price, and you can pick up your chosen trail map at reception. Birr Castle Demesne has successfully completed the Failte Ireland Covid-19 Safety charter,

See www.birrcastle.com for further information.