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Europe Ireland Cork Do & See Blackrock Castle Observatory

Overview

Blackrock Castle Observatory

The guide was updated: 2023-10-23

Stargazers will no doubt find inspiration at this unique observatory. The castle was built in 1582 and has been home to merchants, smugglers, and pirates, as well as researchers and scientists. While worldly exhibits focus on the history of the castle, there are plenty dedicated to the cosmos, and life in outer space.

Useful Information

Address: Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10am–4pm, Mon closed
Website: www.bco.ie
Phone: +353 21 432 6120
Email: info@bco.ie

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum

Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum

Explore this captivating Victorian prison-turned-museum and meet some of the famous inmates who were held there until its closure at the end of the Civil War. The building was also Cork's first radio station and is home to a museum on the history of radios.

St Peter's

St Peter's

This arts & heritage centre is housed in a former 18th-century church right in the heart of Cork City. The centre hosts a wealth of cultural events and offers insight into the history and culture of the city.

The Glucksman

The Glucksman

This ultra-modern gallery is an oasis of contemporary art and culture located on the historic grounds of University College Cork. The gallery also hosts regular events, workshops, and courses for all ages.

Crawford Art Gallery

Crawford Art Gallery

The Crawford Art Gallery is home to more than 2,000 artworks, both Irish and international. The scope is broad, touching on everything from Greek and Roman sculptures to contemporary art. Many of the exhibits nod to Cork's history as a trading port, as well as the city's unique perspective and character.

Fitzgerald Park

Fitzgerald Park

Fitzgerald Park is a vibrant and versatile destination in Cork. Nestled within its serene grounds, you'll find the Cork Public Museum, the inviting Riverview Café, a picturesque pond adorned with water lilies, sculptures, a lively playground, and an energetic skate park. During the summer months, the park comes alive with open-air events, including concerts and local festivals. For a unique experience, cross the iconic "Shakey Bridge," also known as Daly's Bridge, to reach Sunday's Well, and don't forget to jump up and down on the bridge to live the full experience!

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Located just 15 minutes outside Cork City in the beautiful village of Midleton, the Jameson Distillery offers a glimpse into the world of whiskey. You'll see the process from start to finish, including historic kilns, mills and malting, water wheels, and old warehouses. Make sure to end your visit by trying some authentic Irish whiskey straight from the source!

Butter Museum

Butter Museum

This quirky museum explores the history, folklore, and economics of butter — one of the most important Irish exports. Learn about the importance of agriculture in Irish society and even enjoy some freshly-made butter at the daily demonstration.

Bishop Lucey Park

Bishop Lucey Park

Bishop Lucey Park is a public green area in Cork's city centre. Past the picturesque entrance archway, you can admire old city walls, assorted statues, and a bronze fountain commemorating the 800 years in which Cork was a chartered Norman town. With many local eateries nearby, this is an ideal spot to picnic or just take some time to relax.

Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth Fort

For panoramic views of the city, look no further than Elizabeth Fort. Built in the 17th century, the fort endured revolts, sieges, and civic unrest — it was even converted into a prison in 1835. This fortress is steeped in local history, and a portion of it is open for public tours.

Lavit Gallery

Lavit Gallery

A small, intimate gallery focusing on local and national artists. The two floors feature a variety of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to ceramic and glass works.

Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks Experience

Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks Experience

This tastefully restored Victorian waterworks facility offers a unique opportunity to learn about the city's industrial history and about innovations in water and renewable energy today. The Lifetime Lab is an award-winning visitor centre and a must-visit for budding scientists.

Red Abbey Tower

Red Abbey Tower

Considered Cork's oldest building, the Red Abbey Tower was once part of a 14th-century Augustinian abbey. Today, it is the only tower left standing but retains its red sandstone hue.

UCC Visitors' Centre

UCC Visitors' Centre

One of the most beautiful buildings in Cork, University College Cork was established in 1845 and has become central to the city's landscape. This visitors' centre organises walking tours of the historic grounds, which has no shortage of historical artefacts and statues. The building is also home to the world's largest collection of Ogham Stones featuring inscriptions in the Ogham or Old Irish script.

Fota House

Fota House

Fota House offers a glimpse at life in a 19th-century ‘big house’. Explore grand rooms with exquisite plasterwork, a beautifully preserved service wing, a charming nursery and even a delightful boudoir. The House boasts one of Ireland's most impressive landscape painting collections, as well as a Victorian Working Garden. Fota House gives visitors an intimate look at everyday life in the past, whether as a servant or as a member of the gentry class.

Lusitania Memorial

Lusitania Memorial

This monument commemorates the lives of the 1,198 people who perished on board the Cunard Liner Lusitania on the 7th of May 1915. Sunk by a German submarine during the First World War, this memorial pays homage to the often-forgotten Irishmen who enlisted in World War One.

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Just 1 hour's drive from Cork, this serene National Park offers an escape from the busy city. A place of retreat and discovery, the park boasts 10km of nature trails, including a waterfall walk. The land is scattered with relics, including a 19th-century oratory and an 18th-century hermitage.

Bantry Bay

Bantry Bay

Begin your Wild Atlantic Way journey in Cork and head west to the awe-inspiring beauty of Bantry Bay. This 35km bay is studded with several picturesque villages, including Castletownbere and Glengarriff. The Bay is associated with the Rebellion of 1798 and is rich with local history.

Old Head Kinsale

Old Head Kinsale

Kinsale is a blissful seaside town known for its cuisine, architecture, and local history. However, a visit would not be completed without walking the Old Head. The circular walking route (6km) takes in most of the sights of The Old Head and is gentler than other coastal walks. Beautiful spots such as the sandy Garrettstown Beach (surfing lessons are available in summer) offer a chance to lie back and relax as you bask in this spectacular coastal scenery. And golfers won't want to miss the 19-hole golf course located on the peninsula.

Garnish Island & Gardens

Garnish Island & Gardens

A refuge of peace in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Garnish Island is the result of a creative partnership of Annan Bryce and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The island's beautiful walking routes offer a chance to admire rare specimens otherwise unseen in this climate. There is also a Martello Tower, from which there are spectacular views of the Bay. The island is accessible via ferry, which also passes by Seal Island — where Atlantic Grey Seals can be observed in the wild.

Drombeg Stone Circle

Drombeg Stone Circle

Marvel at Ireland's most visited Stone Circle, a place of ancient magic and whimsy. Also known as The Druid's Alter, the circle consists of seventeen stones in the recumbent style. Stone circles date from the Bronze Age and are often the site of lively cultural festivals at times of year coinciding with seasonal changes in the Pre-Christian calendar, for example, the Winter or Summer Solstice, as well as Bealtaine (1 May) and Lúnasa (1 August).

Spike Island

Spike Island

Nestled in Cork Harbour, Spike Island is a captivating 103-acre island boasting a remarkable history. Once a site of monastic seclusion, its strategic significance transformed it into a fortress and, intriguingly, a prison. Among its historical treasures, the impeccably preserved star-shaped military fortress stands tall, guarding the sole entrance to the harbour, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle & Gardens

At the summit of this 15th-century castle lies the world-famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone will receive "The Gift of the Gab" — eloquence and charm. The lesser-known Poison Garden features a collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, while the Rock Close and numerous outdoor statues and artworks inspire a broader view of history. You'll also stumble upon a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle deep in the woods. The castle is a short bus journey or drive from Cork City and one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks.

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Stargazers will no doubt find inspiration at this unique observatory. The castle was built in 1582 and has been home to merchants, smugglers, and pirates, as well as researchers and scientists. While worldly exhibits focus on the history of the castle, there are plenty dedicated to the cosmos, and life in outer space.

Cobh

Cobh

Just a short train journey from Cork City, Cobh, once known as Queenstown, is a seaside heritage town praised for its picturesque buildings and local cultural activities. It's best known as the Titanic's last port of call before its tragic sinking in 1912. To learn more, visit Titanic Experience Cobh, as well as the Cobh Heritage Centre.

Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church

Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church

Perched on a hill overlooking the River Lee, in the heart of Shandon's Old Town, the 18th century St Anne's Church and Shandon Bells offer wonderful views of the city, as well as a chance to ring the bells for yourself.

Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park

Go wild at Ireland’s only wildlife park. A short drive from Cork City and home to more than ninety different species of animals from the four corners of the world, Fota offers an immersive wildlife experience as well as exhibits on conservation and animals' native habitats.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic cathedral built in 1870 on a former monastic site. Legend has it the monastery was established by St Finbarr of Cork, the patron of the city. The grounds' labyrinth offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Triskel Arts Centre

Triskel Arts Centre

Housed in the restored Christchurch building and surrounded by its beautiful grounds, this centre is now home to an arthouse cinema which hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events. Also in the building is a Plugs record store, and a café.

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