Brian Kennedy
Local Historian
Brian Kennedy is a respected local historian for the town of Birr and Birr Castle Demesne in County Offaly. He is known for leading guided tours and delivering engaging talks that highlight the history of Birr, the Parsons family, and the unique heritage of Birr Castle and its grounds. Brian has a long-standing involvement with the Birr Historical Society and has played a key role in sharing local stories and fostering a strong connection between the community and its historical sites. His expertise and passion for local history make him a sought-after guide and ambassador for heritage events in the region.
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Nov. 30, 2025
Birr Castle - Citadel of Science, with Historian Brian Kennedy - Day 4 - Part 2
Ireland has no shortage of stately manors, but as Irish Stew hosts Martin Nutty and John Lee learned, no other historic property has a legacy like Co. Offaly’s Birr Castle Demesne, which for generations has been an incubator of breakthroughs in engineering and science. With local historian and educator Brian Kennedy as their guide, the podcasters share the story of the Victorian-era, steampunk-style construction of timber, iron, and stonework that was the world’s largest telescope from 1845 t...
Guest: Brian Kennedy