In anticipation of the solar eclipse on Wednesday, we will be closed much of the day on 12th Aug. We will open at 6pm for the eclipse event, and open as normal again Thursday morning from 10am. 
On the evening of August 12th, a solar eclipse will take place across parts of Europe with a 96% eclipse visible from Cork.
This partial eclipse will see 96% of the Sun blocked by the Moon which will bring about a noticeable reduction in the daylight. The eclipse will begin at 18:15 and reach maximum at 19:13 and ending at 20:08.
This will be the largest eclipse visible from Ireland until 2090!
Remember, you can view the eclipse from anywhere, as long as you have a western horizon at sunset and the correct safety glasses or viewing equipment.
If you’re in Cork on the day, MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory in collaboration with Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy initiative will be hosting a number of events locally from 18:00 – 20:30 with free solar eclipse glasses (kindly donated by Rochester Museum and Science Center) available for safe viewing and a team of ambassadors to answer your queries.
Public viewing events will take place at (no booking required but plan for high volume):
- Blackrock Castle Observatory
- Tramore Valley Park
- Bell’s Field
If you are at one of these locations, glasses will be handed out in a controlled manner from 6pm onwards. The eclipse lasts for 2 hours so there is plenty of time to share glasses.
Please note that there is limited availability of glasses. In the interest of sharing, sustainability and community wide distribution, we are limiting the number of glasses per group.
It’s an event for all ages and you can be sure of plenty of advice from our enthusiastic experts!
If you are viewing from home, a solar eclipse must never be viewed without the right equipment. NEVER look directly at the sun without the right protection!
The weather is always unpredictable here in Ireland, but a solar eclipse can still be viewed through thin clouds so don’t lose hope if we have a grey sky on the day.
We recommend you only use ‘eclipse glasses’ which are specifically designed for this purpose, and make sure they are from a reputable source.
If you are having a gathering or want to engage in activities to safely view the eclipse (or the sun), you could try the pinhole camera approach.
Learn how to make your own pin hole camera and box projector to view the solar eclipse safely here:
DIY ways to safely view the eclipse
Get your business involved: Eclipse_Business_Guide_2026
‘Inspired by the Solar Eclipse’ Photography Competition at Blackrock Castle Observatory.
This event is supported by Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy and the ‘After hours at the Museum’ scheme funded by the Department of Culture Communications and Sports.
The solar glasses are courtesy of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, New York.
If you are turning up at one of the three event locations, please note that booking is NOT required but the venues are likely to be busy.
This image of the Sun was taken from Blackrock Castle Observatory.