30 members left Dublin by coach for Birr Castle on 13 June. We arrived at 11:30 and at noon began our guided tour inside the Castle, built in 1170. Afterwards we had lunch in the café and then were free to roam the beautiful gardens which were rich in plants, rare and exotic trees as well as home to an abundance of wildlife. The Great Telescope (Observatory), built in 1845, was an amazing sight. We had refreshments in the cafe before boarding the coach and arrived back in Dublin by 6pm. A photo is in the Gallery.