The Buildings
Historic Homes
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Contact Details
| Address | Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork. |
| Telephone | 021-4357917 |
| Opening Hours | 11 am - 1 pm. Historical Talk on Blackrock Castle at 11 am. Booking essential at 021 4357917. |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Partial |
Blackrock Castle was originally built on the Lee in 1582 by the citizens of Cork as a watch tower and fort to guard the river entrance against pirates and other invaders. In 1600 around tower was constructed by the Elizabethan government at the request of the citizens of Cork to protect them from marauding pirates and other invaders. Following a charter by James I in 1608, Blackrock Castle was handed over to the City of Cork. In 1722 the old tower was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt with an octagonal room topped with a cupola. The castle was used at this time as the Corporation banquet hall and for “throwing the dart”.
The original fortification site at Blackrock Castle is a National Monument and on Cork Heritage Open Day a limited number of the general public are invited to attend a historical talk on the Castle and its surrounds with Damien O’ Mahony, TEAM, Cork City Council. Damien, was project manager for the Cork City Council refurbishment of Blackrock Castle and he is an informed and entertaining expert on the story of Blackrock Castle from its earliest inception through the many incarnations of this much loved landmark to its present day realisation as a space for science, research observatory and visitor centre.
The 1hr talk will begin at 11:00am on Saturday August 18 for Heritage Open Day; a tour will follow where the group will be brought to the original National Monument and out onto the lower roof.
Booking is essential for this event and places are limited to 40 people. Unfortunately we cannot facilitate block booking and a maximum of 4 places can be booked at any one time. To register your place please call 021 4357917 or email info@bco.ie
