Admission includes access to the Ireland in Space exhibition, a Castle Tour, and a Star Show.
Discover all this and more at Blackrock Castle Observatory
Your Visit
Ireland In Space
From Newgrange to New Space - Ireland's connection to Space may be deeper than you think...
Learn more
Admission & Opening Hours
We are open Tuesday – Sunday 10a.m. – 5p.m.
General Admission with Tower Tour - *Online booking Essential*
€9
Adults (16 and over)
€6
Children (under 16)
€26
Families (2 adults, 2 children)
€7
Student*/OAP *
valid student card to be presented
valid student card to be presented
Duration
People typically spend
up to 1.5 hours here
Includes
General Admission with Tower Tour includes access to MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory’s award winning science centre, and guided admission to the old fort and tower top.
We are thrilled to welcome you back to MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory!
We are now welcoming both pre-booked and walk-ins back to the castle. Pre-booking is essential to secure guided access to the Tower and Fort. Please arrive on time to ensure access to the guided tour as these tours have a strict capacity and we will be unable to accommodate you on a later tour.
We are currently accepting walk-in bookings at the reduced rate of €5 for self-guided exploration of the science centre and lower roof of the castle. Please note, self-guided ticket do not grant access to the fort or tower top. if you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at info@bco.ie .
We hope you are ready for a wonderful experience at the castle.
To help you better prepare for your visit to the observatory, please feel free to explore our sensory map and social story.
Information
Plan your next visit
51.89988, -8.40287
Getting Here
51.89988, -8.40287
Getting Here
By Bus
From Cork City
Take no. 212 bus towards Jacob’s Island. The service can be accessed at a number of locations in the city centre, including Clontarf Street, Stop 247811 . Disembark at Ferney Rd Stop 234041. From here walk towards the river and turn left. Follow the river for 5 minutes and you will reach the Observatory.
Alternatively, from Merchant’s Quay in the city centre, take the no. 202A bus towards Mahon/Jacob’s Island and disembark at the Ringmahon GAA Pitch Stop 237201. From here walk towards the river and then follow the path alongside the river. This walk should take 13 minutes.
By Taxi
There are a number of Taxi ranks in the city centre, as well as Taxi Apps such as FreeNow that can flag a taxi from wherever you may be.
Prices will vary by provider, distance travelled, and by time of day, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €15-€20 for a taxi from Patrick St.
By Bike
You can reach Blackrock Village via a number of cycle paths and connected greenways. Once you have reached Blackrock Village there is a short cycle along Castle Road, but note that it does not have a dedicated cycle path.
From the city centre, the shortest path is most likely via Eamonn DeVAlera Bridge on to Albert Quay. Follow the cycle path, but take care where it connects to the working Marina at Kennedy Quay. Follow the cycle path on to Centre Park Road. Continue to follow the cycle path until you reach the Marina road. From here, follow the river to Blackrock Village.
From Blackrock Village the Observatory is just a short 5 minute cycle via Castle Road. We have bicycle parking at the Observatory with overflow in the Car Park just beyond the Castle
By Car
The Observatory can be accessed from the West or the East via Castle Road. Please note that we have very limited Car Parking directly outside the front gate of the Observatory and that these spaces are primarily for drivers with disabilities. All other drivers are encouraged to use the large Car Park to the East of the Castle. From here the Observatory is a very short walk of about 1 minute.
What to do in the area
The Cork History Trail
Cork’s Medieval heritage is a thrill to explore
Coming Soon!
Top Ten Things To Do In Blackrock
Stunning greenways, artisan food producers, and iconic landmarks all await you in Cork’s harbour
Coming Soon!