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Visit MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory

Admission & Opening Hours
We are open Tuesday – Sunday 10a.m. – 5p.m.
General Admission
€7
Adults (16 and over)
€5
Children (under 16)
€20
Families (2 adults, 2 children)
€5
Student*/OAP *
valid student card to be presented
Duration
People typically spend
up to 1.5 hours here
Includes

Admission includes access to MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory’s award winning science centre, a tour of the 16th century castle, and a live astronomy show

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 recommended to ensure admission at that specific time and if you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at info@bco.ie or 021-4326120.

Please arrive on time and get ready for a wonderful experience at the castle.

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

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"5 Star Tour"
It was lovely to hear the history of a beautiful castle on our door step. My 11 year old daughter loves astronomy and loved all about the constellations.
Trudy O' Brien Maxwell