Luka Bloom, telescopes and the steam engine

Luka Bloom, telescopes and the steam engine
Originally uploaded by bluepelican.

What do all these have in common? Birr, home to estate of the Earls of Rosse which I visited today. Its Luka's song writing spot and whilst the estate's gardens where not at their summer finest they where still very beautiful and I can understand his muse a little better from visiting that spot. In addition, it houses the Levithan, once the world's largest telescope and beautifully restored. A later family member Charles Parson's invented the steam engine. All the family's interests in astronomy, engineering, photography and horticulture/botany are covered in a first rate museum on the estate. It was really great to visit what is being marketed as Ireland's historic science center and it is definitely worth a visit. It was a great way to chill out after having a few pints in Birr last night.