Birr Castle part of project added to World Heritage Tentative List
Birr Castle is part of a cross-border partnership of historic astronomical observatories added to the World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland.
The announcement was made today, Friday, to mark World Heritage Day.
The project comprises Birr Castle and Demesne, Armagh Planetarium and Observatory, Armagh, and Dunsink Observatory House, Dublin.
The Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland becomes the fourth entry on Ireland's Tentative List. The other three are The Neolithic Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Kerry and Canada) the Royal Sites of Ireland, covering several sites on the island.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List is an inventory of important natural and cultural heritage sites that demonstrate potential '.Outstanding Universal Value'
It means Ireland intends to consider the observatories to the World Heritage Committee for consideration for UNESCO World Heritage List status.
Currently only Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne and Sceilg Mhichíl have world heritage list status in the State.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: "This addition of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to the Tentative List is the first formal step on an exciting journey towards World Heritage inscription for three remarkable observatories."
The National Monuments Service and Office of Public Works will now focus on supporting the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to develop their nomination bid for submission to the World Heritage Centre in Paris in partnership with Northern Ireland and relevant UK World Heritage authorities.
Known as The Leviathan of Parsonstown, the Great Telescope was the largest in the world when it was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse. Its inclusion on the Tentative List comes as part of a national proposal titled The Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, which also includes Dunsink Observatory in Dublin and the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Tony McCormack TD welcomed the news, calling it “a proud moment for Birr and for all of Offaly.” He added, “This telescope is not just a local treasure, it’s a symbol of Irish scientific brilliance. Its addition to the Tentative List puts it on the global stage and opens the door to international recognition, preservation funding, and increased heritage tourism.”
Birr Castle, which continues to function as a centre for science and education, draws thousands of visitors each year. The Great Telescope remains a striking focal point on the castle grounds and a reminder of Ireland’s pioneering role in the global scientific community.
As Tony McCormack TD noted: “The sky was never the limit in Birr. With this recognition, we’re reminding the world that Offaly has always looked upward—and far ahead.”