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 an exciting collaboration between Cork City Council and the Cork Institute of Technology, Blackrock Castle has opened as Blackrock Castle Observatory, Space for Science. Cosmos at the Castle is an international award-winning interactive astronomy exhibit in the Castle. Visitors enjoy local and Italian cuisine at the Castle Bar and Trattoria in the fine surrounds of our riverside courtyard.