Blackrock Castle Observatory
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th century Castle located 4km from the heart of Cork city on the banks of the river Lee. It was built by the citizens of Cork as a watch tower and fort to guard the river entrance against pirates and other invaders. Blackrock Castle was a valuable defence as Cork was a city of trade and needed to assure ships of a safe haven. In an exciting collaboration between Cork City Council and the Cork Institute of Technology, Blackrock Castle was re - opened to the public in August 2007 as Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Space for Science. It has won the ‘Award for Outstanding Achievement’ from TEA, the world association for themed attractions.
Visitors can also enjoy both local and Italian dishes at the Castle Bar and Trattoria in the fine surrounds of Blackrock Castle riverside courtyard.
Blackrock Castle Observatory Attractions
Cosmos At The Castle
Blackrock Castle Observatory is home to Cosmos at the Castle, Cork’s fun and exciting location to learn about the Universe.
Cosmos at the Castle is an award winning exhibition highlighting recent discoveries of extreme life forms on Earth and their implications for life in outer space. The Universe is at your fingertips on this interactive self guiding experience.
The Observatory
The observatory at
The observatory is used by the research team to look at, capture and analyse exotic astronomical objects of such power and size that the human brain struggles to fathom. The observatory is also used to give everyone a glimpse of the heavens above, and all the beauty and wonder that it contains. By looking through telescopes or by viewing images captured by the Blackrock Castle Observatory team we can all see the wonders of the solar system and beyond.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available daily at 13.30 and 15.30 to the telescope tower or research tower roofs. Tours are included in the ticket price and last 25 minutes. Guided groups are limited to 15. There are 86 spiraling steps to the telescope rooftop and 20 wider steps to the roof at BCO Research Labs. There are 16 steps from the ground floor down to the base of the Castle which is a National Monument and the original structure of the 16th century fortress. Know your accessability and fitness levels before joining a tour.
Blackrock Castle Events
First Fridays At The Castle
Blackrock Castle Observatory hosts open nights on the first Friday of every month with inspired activities for visitors of all ages. They start at 18.00 with family friendly space age workshops and craft activities, at 19.00 it’s the Cork Science Café followed by lectures from visiting speakers.
Star Parties, night observing and star counts are in association with the Cork Astronomy Club and Blackrock Castle’s growing band of Astronomy Volunteers.
Every first Friday of the month the award-winning interactive astronomy exhibit Cosmos at the Castle is open until 21.00 and free to the public.
Movies By Moonlight
Movies by Moonlight is a Blackrock Castle members Film Club that offers sci-fi screenings with guided stargazing on the last Saturday of every month. Set in the scenic surrounds of the 16th century Castle turned science observatory and facilitated by local astronomers this is a film club with a difference.
- Pre Booking is essential
- €5.00 is the admission on the night
- Members can bring a guest along for the show. Non member tickets are €7.50
Blackrock Castle Opening Hours
Open to the public seven days a week.
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 17.00.
- Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays: 11.00 to 5.00.
- Opening times subject to change
Blackrock Castle Admission Rates
- Adult: €6.00.
- Children under 8 are free with families.
- Child / student / senior: €4.00.
- Family: €16.00
- Groups €5
- Prices subject to change.
Become a member of Blackrock Castle Observatory
As a patron of, you will enjoy many valuable benefits throughout the year. Having become a friend you are helping them affect positive change in attitudes toward science, engineering and technology in Ireland and beyond.
- Individual Membership - €30 annually
- Dual Membership - €50 annually
- Family Membership - €75 annually
Kids Birthday Parties At The Blackrock Castle
Have an Out of this World Birthday at Blackrock Castle Observatory!
The castle astronomers and scientists will do an hour long age appropriate workshop based on space, aliens or the Solar System. The workshop is followed by a guided visit to the award winning interactive astronomy exhibit Cosmos at the Castle.
- Cost - €10.00 per child
- Minimum booking requirement of €100.00
- Birthday party meals are an additional €6.00 per child. Chicken Nuggets, Chips and Pizza with a glass of squash.
- A Castle shaped birthday cake is available on request!
Discover Primary Science For Schools
They offer two workshops under the Discovery Primary Science Program: Mars Mysteries and Comets at the Castle. The workshops last 2 1/2 hours.
Plan Your Visit
- Maximum group size for DPS workshops is 30 students
- The fee for DPS workshops is €5 per student; staff free
- Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 15 minute drive from Cork City centre or the Jack Lynch Tunnel. There is plenty of free parking
StarDome For Schools
StarDome is Blackrock Castle Observatory's outreach astronomy tool on the road in Ireland in association with ESERO, the European Space Education and Resource Office.
Discover the wonders of the night sky within your own school hall. The dome inflates in an indoor space, 6m by 6m with a 3.5 m height ceiling. Capacity is 30-35 pupils per session.
Blackrock Castle experienced presenters deliver programs adapted for any age group - from Junior Infants to Leaving Certificate. A visit by StarDome counts as a "Part 2 workshop" for the Discover Primary Science Award of Excellence.
Call our Education Team on 021 435 7917 to make a booking. Cost is €350 per day at your primary school, €400 per day at your second level school, with an additional charge for travel more than 1h from Cork City.
Directions To The Blackrock Castle Observatory Cork
- Driving
If you are driving to the Castle, you can get directions from google maps at top of page. Follow the Blackrock road to Blackrock village. Up the hill at Castle Road to the castle.
- By Bus
Take number 2 bus to Blackrock. This departs from Parnell Place (next to the bus station) Ask the bus driver to stop at St Lukes, a 5 minute walk along the river to the Castle.
- By Taxi
DS Cabs have a special rate for visitors to Blackrock Castle. Ph. 021-4847888.
- GPS
Blackrock Castle Observatory Cork GPS location is 51.89988, -8.40287
View all items in the sections:
Activity Centres
|
Party Venues
|
Family Attractions
|
Things To Do In Cork