Blackrock Castle Observatory
About Blackrock Castle Observatory
We are Cork’s fun and exciting location to learn about the Universe.
Blackrock Castle is the oldest surviving structure still in use in the city of Cork; a 16th-century fort turned robotic observatory and science centre with panoramic views of Cork Harbour.
Explore over 400 years of Cork Harbour stories in this stunning riverside location during their guided castle tours to the Dome Tower Top and Gunnery.
Then delve into space science and open your eyes to the wonders of the Universe with Cosmos at the Castle. Discover the wonders of the night sky in their live Planetarium Shows and explore magnetism, forces, light and sound at the SFI Discover Zone.
No booking is required but the castle tours and planetarium shows take place at set times so make to check these out on their website or call ahead.
Castle Tours
Join us on ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the Castle’s towers where a guide will take you on a trip back through the colourful history of Blackrock, Cork or into the future of blazars, quasars and the BCO Planet Search Programme. The Gunnery is now a fully open self-guided exhibit area!
Daily at 11:30, 13:00, 14:00 & 15:30
The Comet Chaser
Play The Comet Chaser at Ireland’s first interactive theatre and virtually save the Earth! Part of the Cosmos at the Castle interactive exhibit.
Cosmos at the Castle
Our award-winning all-ages exhibition. Learn about the Universe, extreme life forms on Earth and life in outer space!
Pan Galactic Email Station
Send an email to the stars from our special interstellar email station and track it through space in real time!
BCO Labs
Our professional astronomical observatory, integrated with our public exhibition, makes BCO a unique national astronomy centre.
Visiting Exhibitions
We host an engaging and exciting range of visiting exhibits through the year at BCO; admission is included with your ticket.
Birthdays at the Castle!
Make your child's next birthday an unforgettable adventure and have an "out of this world" children's party at Blackrock Castle!
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Fantastic well worth a visit .the restaurant food was amazing and friendly staff