Recent Developments & Interesting Facts About Birr
- On 31 August 1869, the first road fatality recorded in history occurred in Birr, when local born scientist Mary Ward, a cousin of third Earl of Rosse, fell from a steam powered car on a bend. Unfortunately, the vehicle traversed her, causing the fatal injuries.
- A Grow-it-yourself group set up in Birr in 2011 to inspire and assist local people to grow their own food.
- Since 2010 Birr's parks have seen considerable enhancements. The Mill Race running through the Mill Island Park was refurbished and water again flows through this watercourse. In 2011 the local council refurbished the walkways through the park and created extensions to the parks. A continuous walkway now stretches along the Camcor River from near Birr Castle down to close to Birr Workhouse.
- Mentioned by Geraldus Cambrensis, who referred to it as 'Umbilicus Hiberniae', the indentations on the stone are as old as megalithic sites, such as Newgrange. It is suggested that the indentations are from the hand of Finn MacCool, hence the origin of the name as Suigh Finn (pronounced "See-Finn"), the Seat of Finn. It is located to the left of the gates to St John's Hall, on John's Mall, close to Emmet Square. The Seffin stone was said to mark the centre of Ireland.
- A descendant of the O'Carrolls, Charles Carroll was the only Catholic to sign the United States Declaration of independence and, also, the only signatory to give his address. Signing such a potentially treasonous document was leaving oneself open to a death sentence. To distinguish himself from his father, Charles Carroll of Annapolis, in the event that a sentence fell imminent, Charles signed in full as "Charles Carroll of Carrollton". The first US Senator for Maryland, he is mentioned in the State song and a former home forms part of Johns Hopkins University.
- The gardens in Birr Castle feature the Tallest Box Hedges In The World.
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