This was our rest-day. No driving. There is a castle in Birr, and it is worth visiting - it has a big garden and Historic Science Centre.
We learned much there. For instance, the earl who lived there in the 19th century made a world's biggest astronomical telescope, in 1845, and its size wasn't surpassed for more than 70 years. It is now relocated from its original position but is still there and open to the public. Earl's wife was a photographer and her darkroom, which is also open to public, is believed to be
the oldest surviving example in the world. Their son Charles invented the steam powered turbine
which was eventually used to power the ship engines. His invention
of a turbine engine in 1884 revolutionized marine transport and naval warfare. He is said to be the father of
the jet engine.
Birr garden features box hedges that are over 300 years old, and are the tallest hedge in the world.
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| Turbinia, launched 1894, modified 1897, top speed 35 knots |
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| 72 inch telescope |
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| sequoiadendron giganteum |
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| sculptured oak vessel |
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