MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory

About the museum

Blackrock Castle stands beside the River Lee in the Blackrock area of Cork. It began as a fort built to deter pirates in Cork harbour and the present castle dates from the sixteenth century. Over some four hundred years it was rebuilt and adapted, and today it ends in a modern telescope dome on the tower top.

The castle now serves as MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, an award-winning science centre and active research observatory. It is the result of a collaboration between Cork City Council, a private benefactor and the Cork Institute of Technology, now Munster Technological University. Its aim is to encourage interest in science, engineering and technology through astronomy, with an education programme for schools and the public.

Admission includes the permanent exhibition Ireland in Space, which explores the country’s long connection to astronomy from Stone Age monuments to the European Space Agency, visiting exhibitions, a star show, and a self-guided tour of the castle, including the tower and lower roof. The castle tour leads through four centuries of history and ends with views over the Lee and the Blackrock area.

Highlights

• Ireland in Space, a permanent exhibition from Newgrange to modern space science
• Star show taking visitors on a journey through the stars
• Self-guided tour of the sixteenth-century castle, with views from the tower
• Working research observatory with a telescope dome
• Regular visiting exhibitions and events

Permanent exhibitions

• Ireland in Space – A permanent exhibition on Ireland’s link to astronomy and space, from Stone Age monuments to the new space industry.
• Castle tour – A self-guided walk through four centuries of the castle’s history, from the original fort to the modern telescope dome, with views from the towers.

Operated by

Munster Technological University

Admission & discounts

Admission covers the science centre, the star show, the astronomy and space exhibition and a self-guided tour of the castle including the tower and lower roof.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the sixteenth-century building, the rooftop and the fort are not wheelchair accessible. The few parking spaces directly outside the front gate are mainly for drivers with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children under 5 enter free, and a child ticket and a family ticket are available. The centre runs school programmes and public events.

Getting there & parking

The observatory is reached via Castle Road from the east or west, with bicycle parking on site and overflow in the car park beyond the castle.

Amenities & dining

Bicycle parking is provided at the observatory.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The observatory offers venue hire and corporate hire.

Plan your visit