I really loved this experience. This is a historic castle in Cork that has been converted into a space museum and observatory. Great information and wonderful views from the tower.

Really interesting visit to the observatory. Our guide was great and very knowledgeable about the history of the building and gave a very interesting talk about the night sky. Easy to get to on the bus from Cork.

It's a small castle, so don't expect too much.. During the visit inside the castle there's only one room to learn about the history of the castle, the other places are more focused on astronomy. So maybe the kids will enjoy more than adults..

The Blackrock Castle Observatory is a small castle that was renovated and is now used as an observatory and restaurant. If you take a tour there is only one room in the tower where you learn about the history of the castle and the rest of the tour is more about astronomy and the telescope. It is interesting and probably a great experience for kids but nothing for people who expect a great observatory. However, for the low price and the great restaurant definitely worth a visit if you are around Cork.

Very nice place, but if you want to go inside the castle, you have to book the tour. Very beautiful nice walk around.

Beautiful walkway that leads up to the castle and the observatory. Must do on a sunny day and make sure you book your tickets in advance

Blackrock Castle Observatory is built inside a small castle which was built in 16th century to control the pirates. It is recommended to take a tour there which is very informative especially for the kids. The tour is little bit on the castle and rest is on the astronomy. On the top there is also a telescope. And top also provides a panoramic view of the river and cork. There is a 7EU ticket. The parking is free, it is very limited in the front of the castle but a big parking lot is available next to it. They have a permanent exhibition and shows which provides brief introduction of our solar system and nearby stars. About 1hr is enough to finish everything there. They also have a restaurant there.

Gorgeous place to take a walk. There's a wonderful cafe, some great exhibits and even a planetarium for kids.

More than just architecture,the significance educational value. Bit small inside.Looking forward to opening more spaces for tourists to visit.

the castle is very small. opposite the castle, a miniature statue of the castle can be seen on the wall next to the road. in the planetarium we listened to a lecture on astronomy and then on the history of the castle. we looked at the cellar and went up to the tower. the staff is friendly. the lecturer is prepared and his presentation style is very good

Beautiful spot by the river side. The 16th century restored castle now has a planetarium, an observatory and a cafe. Popular spot for those with kids. Has a nice walk nearby. The cafe can be a bit crowded on a weekend sunny day, the staff are very professional and friendly. The castle offers a great view of Cork Harbour and surroundings.

Beautiful castle! A girl who did a tour for us was amazing, was really interesting to listen her talk about space and history of the castle. Entry ticket was €7 per person

An interesting excursion, the children should really like it, there is a spiral staircase inside the castle, the historical excursion from the guide is quite detailed! Nice view from the tower above.

The walk to the castle is amazing. Weather is an important factor while visiting. Can definitely visit once when around Cork. Nice place by the river to walk around.

The best part was the friendly and skilled team. The presentation is engaging and the Castle is worth a visit, there is a nice coffee shop. I would say the planetarium is adequate for children at least 8 years old. Would not be quite interesting for those under this age.

(Translated by Google) The beautiful castle stands on the banks. The views are wonderful and the tranquility around. A highly recommended visit for anyone who wants to know a beautiful corner of cosmopolitan Cork (Original) A las orillas se levanta el precioso castillo. Las vistas son maravillosas y la tranquilidad alrededor. Un visita muy recomendable para todo aquel que desee conocer un bello rincón de la cosmopolita Cork

Great spot to visit if you are touring the area of Cork. Excellent view with a lovely little spot to grab some food for yourself and the kids (If you have any). I found the staff very friendly and patient when I needed some help finding one of said kids !

A great find thanks to Google Maps. An interesting exhibition, accompanied by a planetarium presentation and a look around the old castle. The telescope 🔭 dome is at the top of a narrow, steep, spiral staircase, which is fun for the able-bodied, but unfortunately inaccessible to anyone with mobility issues. However, it is what it is given the age of the building. A quirky place to spend an hour or two visiting. 😃

Interesting visit. The guide will first present the sky seen in Cork, and then will speak about the castle.

Port view of Cork is beautiful from the top.

The lady doing the tour was amazing, the food was a bit expensive, but delicious. View was nice,but it can get very windy up there!

Blackrock castle was amazing, it is an observatory. The tour was very informative, and our tour guide was great. Astronomy and a little bit of history all rolled into one awesome experience.

One of my favorite places to go for a walk in Cork, wish I lived closer, I'd be walking there every day ^_^

Nice little spot ,doesn't have mucj to see but ,people who are interested in astronomy would be satisfied.. Jane was very good on our tour make this way interesting than it is.. I would recommend if you are in Cork.

Nice place for short visiting. Very good guide. Interesting stories.

Vrey cool place in Cork City must see have a good time at it

Breathtaking

Very nice tour starting off with the history of the castle and ending with a view of the surroundings from the top, a peek at the telescope and a. very interesting astronomy lesson. Highly recommended for all the family

(Translated by Google) I did not like at all. The castle looks like a film set. Too expensive for what is presented. (Original) Je n'ai pas aimé du tout. Le château a l'air d'un décor de film. Trop cher pour ce qui est présenté.

Beautiful castle in Cork. It is an observatory now. The road from the bus to the castle is also beautiful. Around 10 minutes walk distance. Good Cafe in the grounds. Beautiful landscape around.

Amazing castle and very educational foe children and adults alike. Well worth a visit.

Great outdoor greenway close to the city. There is a coffee shop that is open on Sundays that serves light meals. Sufficient parking and lots of benches to rest along the way. Bring doggie bags, the greenway is surprisingly clear of dog doo so let's keep it that way. A great place to read a book and have a quiet picnic in Summer. Outdoor gym and small kiddies playground.

Nice spot, set up well, good value but tour guides do not make it child friendly. If they just slowed down a little, used simpler words and gave kids a chance to engage it would be a brilliant family activity. As it stands I would not recommend to bring kids

Well can I say a big thanks to the staff of The Blackrock Observatory,today was my sons birthday,a request was made by him today to visit the place. We had no booking,but the staff fitted us in,each of the three staff members were so obliging, kind and caring. They made the trip one to remember. I hadn't visited the place in years,and 100% would recommend a trip there. A birthday we will remember. Thank you ladies for being so kind.

We visited the Castle on a Tuesday at 1.50 pm, there are tours on the hour and the immediate one at 2 was completely booked so we had to wait for the next for an hour, moreover the restaurant on the premises remains closed on Monday and Tuesday. The guided tour was by a knowledgeable person who expanded on the history of the place and its role as an observatory. Suitable for kids below 8 years. The walkway around the castle is wonderful and has to be visited.

A nice tour around the Observatory. There are two tours you get. The Observatory tower amd gunnery, aswell as a space talk with a projector. Very knowledgeable people on the tour. About 7 euro each for adults. Good experience for the kids. Takes over an hour or so. Bought ticket on the day as was full online. Interesting history.

It was booked up when we arrived but in a gorgoues setting and the coffee n gift shop were great 👍

Very interesting castle to visit. The tours are about an hour and the guides are fun. Lots of interesting facts along the way.

Unfortunately, we couldn't go in. The reception was closed with no notice anywhere .Waited for half n hour but to no avail. The main gates of the castle were open, and a restaurant inside was open as well. It was showing on Google that the castle was open and walkins were welcome hence we went. But we had to return back empty handed

Nice

(Translated by Google) It is interesting, with your knowledge. (Original) Es interesante, con sus conocimientos.

Great service

I liked the terrace there

Lovely restaurant on site

Enjoy Your Breakfast by looking at this beautiful castle.. ...

Would definitely go back. Good food, good coffee, friendly efficient service, covid restrictions very clear.

Spot on. Hot water bottle and all 🥰

There is a restaurant inside at the entrance that you can have breakfast... The Cork University has an observatory and have done a great job preserving this place. Take the Tour to lear more about the castle history.

Good view and it's not free. :(

Beautiful setting and atmosphere, great restraunt and food,staff excellent.

Beautiful Castle, I recommend to a short stop on the route. The castle was closed.

Great time here on a college day trip. Very educational, interactive and fun. The staff really know their stuff. Would be a fantastic place to bring little ones that love space/science. Would definitely bring my nieces here for a day out. Nice coffee here also, grabbed a quick to-go coffee before the session started. Didn't have time to stop for food but the cafe/restaurant looked very nice.

They have an entertaining history of failure. Their is also more that could usually be done but its closed right now as they are carrying out renovations.

Always great food Covid regulations being adhered to

Cool castle on the outskirts of Cork! It used to be armed with cannons to protect the pirates from coming into the harbor. Nowadays it is turned into a museum as well as a place to observe stars. Very neat place where you can come enjoy for an hour or two!

Cool place! Definitely worth a visit. The planetarium show was really cool. Would recommend.

Very nice location, excellent food 😃

Nice little castle, not much to do though.

Great walkway

Fabulous, very friendly staff ,food ,service brilliant.

Brilliant

I spend Holyday with my family nearly Blackrock Vastle Odservatonion .Its was close, but The Caffe shop was open.... And full!! I come from Dublin, so I think,, 100% this Castle Beautiful!! If open!! I want to come back.... If possible...

Staff were very friendly, even with the current situation!! I was here on two occasions recently, firstly with a few friends during the strict time as we had cycled out there for a take away lunch, and with my parents and we sat outside, our dog was here with us and the staff offered water, a nice touch!! The food is of great quality! Venue itself is excellent and in close proximity to both blackrock and the walkway! Will be back in the future

Beautiful setting great food, nice service

Good tour and information

The Café inside serves good food

Really beautiful place great view from the top and tours are very interesting

Good tour.

Lovely castle and observatory, also you can have a food and coffee outside.

Lovely Old Castle

The tour guide was brilliant. He knew what he was talking about. Had patience when my child kept asking question.

Very good food and nice setting

Well worth a visit

(Translated by Google) Although we have not entered, the site is very beautiful and very well preserved and cared for. (Original) Aunque no hemos entrado, el sitio es muy bonito y muy bien conservado y cuidado.