🇮🇪 Birr, Ireland
Gloster House
📍 Brosna, Birr, R42 CH02,
Your stay — Gloster House
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Birr.
The Property — Gloster House
Gloster House is a family-run 3-star hotel in the heart of Birr, a charming town in County Offaly. The hotel's warm, inviting atmosphere is reflected in its décor, with wooden furnishings and colourful floral arrangements adding a touch of homeliness. Its USP lies in its proximity to Birr Castle Demesne, a 12th-century castle that's a must-visit for history buffs. The hotel's compact size makes it an ideal choice for couples and solo travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. Standing in the lobby, you'll feel like you've stepped into a traditional Irish pub, with the sound of crackling log fires and the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
Chronicles of Birr
Birr was originally a Viking settlement, later becoming a medieval town in the 12th century. The town's architectural evolution is evident in its mix of 18th-century Georgian buildings and 19th-century Victorian-era churches. Birr is known for its rich scientific history, being the site of the first planetarium in the world, opened in 1843. The town hosts the annual Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival in August, celebrating its heritage and showcasing local talent. Today, Birr is a thriving market town with a strong sense of community, where traditional Irish pubs and artisanal shops thrive alongside modern amenities.
Best Time to Visit
Full Birr guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Birr, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer tourists than the peak summer months. The town's festivals and events, such as the Birr Vintage Week, take place during these months, adding to the town's charm.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month for tourist season, with prices at Gloster House increasing by up to 20% due to the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival. This month attracts visitors from across Ireland and Europe, who come to experience the town's rich history, music, and cultural events. The festival features a range of activities, including vintage car rallies, live music performances, and traditional Irish dancing.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer the best value for budget-conscious travellers, with prices at Gloster House reduced by up to 30%. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 12-18°C, making it an ideal time to explore the town's historic sites and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Weather & packing
Birr's climate is influenced by its proximity to the River Camcor, which can cause sudden temperature drops, especially in the evenings. Pack layers for your stay, including a waterproof jacket and warm sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Birr
- The new Birr Railway Station has recently reopened, offering direct trains to Dublin and other major Irish cities. The town's historic centre has been pedestrianised to improve accessibility and enhance the shopping experience. Visitors can now explore the town's historic sites, including Birr Castle Demesne, using the free Birr Heritage Trail app, which provides guided tours and historical information.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Gloster House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter experience. The hotel's address on a relatively quiet rural road means that street noise is unlikely to be a significant concern, but higher floors will also give you a better chance of avoiding any noise from the nearby Brosna River.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be a bit noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper. Additionally, rooms facing the service entrance might experience some occasional noise from staff movement.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't offer any notable views, as it's situated in a rural area. However, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from a higher floor.
Quietest floors
2nd to 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel is relatively quiet, thanks to its rural location. However, you might hear some distant sounds of traffic on the nearby R42 regional road.
Insider tips
If you're driving, take note of the hotel's parking area, which is located near the main entrance. It's convenient and well-lit. If you're checking in early, consider visiting the hotel's reception at the Brosna address. They might be able to accommodate your request and get you settled in ahead of time.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Gloster House
free, 50 Mbps fibre broadband, no login constraints
serves all floors; a small section of historic stairs-only access to the original wing
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices; print newspapers in the lobby
15:00-22:00 check-in, 10:00 early bag-drop, €50 late check-out fee before 12:00, €100 after 12:00
available for guests departing early or arriving late; €5 per bag, per day
step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, one adapted room with roll-in shower
on-site parking available for €15 per night; nearest public car park, Birr Town Car Park, €10 per day; EV charging available in lobby
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: €100 advance deposit, €200 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro (EUR)
You can exchange currency at the Post Office on Main Street or at a bank in the town centre. Be aware that airport bureaux de change often have poor exchange rates.
Most businesses in Birr accept major credit and debit cards, with contactless payments widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay are also common.
Tipping in pubs and restaurants is generally not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is considered polite. For taxis, a tip of 10% is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around €2-€3 at a local café or bakery.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or soup from a deli or café for around €5-€7.
A affordable dinner option is a pub meal, with a main course for around €15-€20.
You can find cheap eats at the local market on Saturdays, with options like burgers, chips, and snacks for around €5-€10.
The locally-based Tesco supermarket chain has a store in Birr, offering a range of affordable groceries.
For high-street shopping, try the town's main street, which has a mix of high-street brands and local boutiques. You can also find bargains at the local market on Saturdays.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a single ticket costing €2-€3. A day pass is also available for €5.
Buy groceries in bulk from the local supermarket to save money.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opting for pubs or local cafes instead.Use public transport or walk/bike instead of taxis.
Good to know — Birr
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
BirrDial 999 or 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire) from any phone, including mobiles. For non-urgent police matters, contact Birr Garda Station at +353 (0)57 912 0500.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Birr, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Gloster House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Dublin Airport (Zone 14, Arrivals Road) → Birr (town square, opposite County Arms Hotel)
💡 Buy a return ticket online for €10 less. Get off at the Birr stop—the hotel is a 2-minute walk across the square.
Dublin Airport → County Arms Hotel, Birr
💡 Use Birr Cabs (090 200 1050) – fixed rate to airport, no meter surprises.
Nenagh Train Station (nearest rail link from Limerick) → County Arms Hotel, Birr
💡 Train from Limerick Colbert to Nenagh (€10, 1 hour) then this taxi. Ask driver to drop you at hotel rear car park if you've luggage—closer to reception.
Birr (Dublin Road stop, 400m from hotel) → Tullamore Train Station
💡 Combined with Dublin Connolly train (€12) this is the cheapest route to Dublin. Bus wait at Tullamore station can be 20 min—bring a book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Gloster House?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter experience. The hotel's address on a relatively quiet rural road means that street noise is unlikely to be a significant concern, but higher floors will also give you a better chance of avoiding any noise from the nearby Brosna River.
Which rooms should I avoid at Gloster House?
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be a bit noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper. Additionally, rooms facing the service entrance might experience some occasional noise from staff movement.
Is Gloster House noisy?
The hotel is relatively quiet, thanks to its rural location. However, you might hear some distant sounds of traffic on the nearby R42 regional road.
Which rooms have the best views at Gloster House?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't offer any notable views, as it's situated in a rural area. However, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from a higher floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Gloster House?
If you're driving, take note of the hotel's parking area, which is located near the main entrance. It's convenient and well-lit. If you're checking in early, consider visiting the hotel's reception at the Brosna address. They might be able to accommodate your request and get you settled in ahead of time.
What time is check-in at Gloster House?
Check-in at Gloster House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Gloster House have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps fibre broadband, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Gloster House?
€2.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Gloster House?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or soup from a deli or café for around €5-€7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Gloster House?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a single ticket costing €2-€3. A day pass is also available for €5.
When is the best time to visit Birr?
June and September are ideal months to visit Birr, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer tourists than the peak summer months. The town's festivals and events, such as the Birr Vintage Week, take place during these months, adding to the town's charm.
Top Attractions in Birr
💡 Come for the Saturday market (9am-2pm) for local cheeses and bread. The bandstand sometimes has free folk music in summer.
💡 The pond has ducks and swans, but don't bring bread—feed them seeds or oats instead.
💡 If the door is locked, check with the parish office next door (number on the noticeboard); they'll often let you in.
💡 Park near the golf club entrance and follow the path behind the clubhouse. The magazine tunnel is worth a torch if you're curious.
💡 Check for 'free first Sunday' promotions in winter months, when the grounds are quieter and the telescope is still open.