Blackrock Castle
Journeys of Exploration:
Housed in an iconic Cork landmark dating back to 1582, a visit to Blackrock Castle Observatory includes entry to Journeys of Exploration. This new interactive experience brings the visitor through the heart of the Castle along a route that tells the story of Cork’s defended landscape, its merchant trade and the smugglers and pirates that navigated one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. The story is told in audio and guided experiences at the 16th century fort while touring the gunnery, riverside terrace and towers.
Cork Harbour on Ireland’s Ancient East is one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. Join our local guides on an immersive journey of discovery across more than 500 years of globally influential history and learn why Cork is truly Ireland’s Maritime Paradise.
Blackrock Castle is the oldest surviving structure still in use in the city of Cork. This historic castle has served as an Admiralty Court, a lighthouse, a signalling station and a gun battery, defending the river approach to Cork.
Cosmos at the Castle:
CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is home to Cosmos at the Castle, Cork’s fun and exciting location to learn about the Universe. Cosmos at the Castle is an award winning exhibition highlighting recent discoveries of extreme life forms on Earth and their implications for life in outer space.
What can you do?
Galactic Email Station: Send an email to Space at the Pan Galactic Station and track its navigation!
Meet Cosmo: Our friendly virtual astronaut invites you to share your theories on alien life.
Explore the Universe: Use cinema sized video screens to explore the formation of the Universe and how life developed on Earth.
The Comet Chaser: Play this award-winning game in Ireland’s first interactive theatre and virtually save the Earth!
Planetarium: Discover the night sky in our amazing Planetarium.
The SFI Discover Zone: Interactive hands-on experiments to explore the basic concepts of physics.
Cosmos at the Castle is a brilliant day out for everyone! The self guiding experience allows visitors to browse hours of cosmic content at their leisure or take a whirlwind tour of the Universe.