Blackrock Castle, Cork

Name: Blackrock Castle
Address: Castle Rd, Cork, Ireland
Telephone: +353 21 432 6120

#14 among attractions in Cork

Museum, Forts and castles, Science museum

Gallery (2)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

Blackrock Castle, a commanding presence in the city of Cork, Ireland, now operates as a museum that combines a rich history with a focus on space and astronomy. The castle, originally built in the 16th century, has been reconstructed and renovated multiple times following attacks and natural disasters. Its current incarnation dates back to the 19th century, when it was restored to serve as an observatory and a defense fort.

Today, Blackrock Castle is home to the CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, which aims to engage visitors with science and the cosmos. The museum's interactive exhibits and planetarium shows cater to all ages, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and tourists interested in the universe and Ireland's heritage.

The castle's location by the River Lee offers a scenic backdrop, and its historical architecture provides an atmospheric setting for the exploration of space. Visitors can delve into the mysteries of the universe, learn about the latest discoveries, and even participate in open nights where they can stargaze using the observatory's telescopes.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 51°54'0"N, 8°24'9"W

Address

Castle RdBlackrockCork Ireland

Contact

+353 21 432 6120

Website

Social media

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Cork

Day trips

Blackrock Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Oliver Plunkett Street, Parnell Place, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Holy Trinity Church.

2.9 miW
Shopping, Shopping district
Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork
74 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cork City, Oliver Plunkett Street is a bustling thoroughfare that encapsulates the vibrancy of Irish urban life. Known for its eclectic mix of local boutiques, high street brands, and traditional pubs, this shopping district provides a unique...
2.7 miW
Shopping, Shopping district
Parnell Place, Cork
70 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cork, Ireland, Parnell Place stands as a bustling shopping district that beckons locals and tourists alike with its vibrant mix of retail offerings. Known for its unique blend of traditional Irish charm and contemporary shopping experiences...
1 miS
Shopping, Shopping centre
Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork
26 min walk • Mahon Point Shopping Centre stands as a beacon of modern retail in Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. Since its opening in 2005, this contemporary mall has been serving locals and visitors alike with a diverse range of shopping options.
2.9 miW
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Holy Trinity Church, Cork
75 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cork City, Ireland, stands the historic Holy Trinity Church, a testament to religious heritage and architectural splendor. This venerable church, often referred to as the 'Father Mathew Memorial Church', is an integral part of Cork's urban...
1.4 miW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork
36 min walk • Páirc Uí Chaoimh, an iconic sport venue nestled in the city of Cork, Ireland, stands as a testament to the country's fervent love for Gaelic games. This stadium, primarily used for hurling and Gaelic football, is an integral part of Cork's cultural and sporting...
2.1 miE
Golf
Cork Golf Club
54 min walk • Nestled in the scenic Little Island in Cork, Ireland, Cork Golf Club stands as a prestigious emblem of the region's sporting landscape. Designed by the renowned golf architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1927, this golf course is a testament to the fusion of natural...
2.7 miW
City hall
City Hall, Cork
69 min walk • The City Hall, Cork is a civic building in Cork, Ireland which houses the administrative headquarters of Cork City Council.
2.3 miW
Park
Kennedy Park, Cork
59 min walk • Kennedy Park is a local park in Cork, Ireland, named after US president John F. Kennedy who visited the area in June 1963. The 7.5 acre park is situated between Victoria Road and Monahan Road.
2.8 miW
Theater, Concerts and shows
Everyman Palace Theatre, Cork
72 min walk • The Everyman Theatre is a 650-seat Victorian theatre on MacCurtain Street in Cork, Ireland. It opened in 1897, and is the oldest purpose-built theatre building in Cork.
2.6 miW
Skyscraper
The Elysian, Cork
67 min walk • The Elysian is a mixed-use Celtic Tiger-era building at Eglinton Street in Cork, Ireland. Construction of the building was completed in early September 2008. When built it was the tallest building in the Republic of Ireland. It was overtaken by Capital Dock in the Dublin Docklands in 2018.
2.6 miW
51°54'1"N • 8°27'47"W
Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre Cork, Cork
66 min walk • Valley, Nature, Natural attraction