Birr Castle Gardens are the largest in the country, spanning over 120 acres of natural landscapes, with five miles of paths. The impressive plant collection boasts rare species from around the world, including over 40 champion trees of the British Isles. The Formal Gardens include the world's tallest box hedges and beautiful pathways of hornbeam arches. The Demesne is also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre which allows visitors to travel back to the time of the earlier Earls and Countesses of Rosse, when the Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. Many special events take place throughout the year.