Irish Family-run Hanly Woollen Mill Experience & Private Tour of Birr Castle with the Rosse Family (light lunch included)
Monday, 21st; Thursday, 24th; and Friday, 25th
A very special day to meet two local families with a global reach for different reasons:
The Hanly Family has manufactured fine Irish fine woollen textiles for five generations.
A unique opportunity to visit one of few remaining operational woollen mills in Ireland that includes a VIP tour of the mill and a visit to the factory shop where UWPIAA alumni can avail of a special 10% discount.
John Hanly & Co was established in Tipperary, Ireland in 1893. The 5th generation family run company specialises in the design and manufacture of throws, scarves and headwear in natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, lambswool, merino and mohair. Their products are sold to top brands, designers and quality retailers around the world. The company uses only natural fibres which are all sourced from renowned suppliers who produce and source their raw material in a sustained and ethical manner. Located beside the Nenagh River they generate electricity from a bespoke water turbine ensuring all energy is from renewable sources. John Hanly & Co is a heritage brand steeped in tradition and guarantees the products produced are of excellent craftsmanship quality and timeless in their beauty.
The Rosse family (descendants of the Parsons family), renowned for their pioneering work in science, engineering, and astronomy over 400 years. This is a must for nature lovers, families, photographers, scientists, and history enthusiasts
Set in the heritage town of Birr, Birr Castle Demesne spans 120 acres of stunning parklands and gardens, featuring over 5,000 species of trees and plants, wildlife, and scenic trails along rivers and waterfalls. Discover the Great Telescope, the Lunar Heat Machine, one of the world's oldest darkrooms, welcome videos, a playground, and Ireland's Historic Science Centre.
For 400 years the family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne, now home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. The Parsons family invites you to explore one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland, created over generations as an environmental and scientific time capsule.
Tentative Itinerary:
8:15 Depart UL
9:00 Arrive Woollen Mills
Group divides for shopping & tours and swaps
Noon Depart
12:45 Arrive Birr light lunch
13:35 Assemble at Birr Castle entrance
13:45 Arrive at Birr Castle Demesne
14:00 First tour
15:00 Second tour
16:15 Departure
17:20 Arrive University of Limerick
What to Bring:
Participants are advised to wear warm clothes – layers work best. We suggest a sweater, rain jacket, jeans or pants and comfortable shoes. Temperatures may vary with rain a possibility.
Disclaimer:
All parties participating in the tour and activities do so at the participant’s own sole risk. UWPIAA organisers of the tour are released from any claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses by participants in the tour, and all persons accept full responsibility for their own selves during the tour.
Note:
This is to give an overview of the possible day’s itinerary. It is subject to change based on the weather or other unforseen circumstances.