Bernice Cooke Art

Birr Castle and The Leviathan of Parsonstown – Limited Edition Art Print

72,00€

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In the 16th century, the O’Carrolls of Ely held their stronghold where Birr Castle now stands. The estate was granted around 1620 to English-born judge Sir Lawrence Parsons during the Stuart Plantations. Sir Lawrence constructed much of the structure we see today.

The castle, rich in Irish history, was besieged twice in the 17th century. One of its towers still bears the marks of artillery from Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan, who tried unsuccessfully to capture it.

Birr Castle remains the seat of the Earls of Rosse and is currently home to the 7th Earl, Brendan Rosse. While it is still a private residence, guided tours grant access to selected rooms. The castle grounds, however, are open to the public and draw over 100,000 visitors each year. They feature beautifully manicured gardens, magical walkways, waterfalls, a river and lake — and most notably, the estate’s world-renowned astronomical instruments.

🔭 The Leviathan of Parsonstown

The highlight of the estate is the historic Leviathan of Parsonstown – an astronomical telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror, built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse. It held the title of the largest telescope in the world until 1917 and was the instrument through which the spiral structure of nebulae was first observed.

🎨 About the Artwork

This finely detailed illustration was crafted using pigment ink fine liner pens, combined with watercolour pencils and paint — showcasing the artist’s meticulous technique and love of storytelling through art.

Each limited edition print is professionally produced on archival Hahnemühle Fine Art paper using light-fast, museum-quality inks, ensuring brilliant colour retention and long-lasting vibrancy.

🖋️ Edition Details

Individually titled, numbered, and signed by the artist, Bernice Cooke
Print is sold unmounted and unframed to give you full control over presentation
Shipped safely in a sturdy postal tube