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.

Blackrock Castle overlooks the River Lee on the outskirts of Cork City harbour. MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Space for Science, is Cork’s fun and exciting location to learn about the universe. Over 400 years ago, the fortification which is now Blackrock Castle, was built at the River Lee where the narrowing channel leads to Cork and has been part of the city’s history ever since.

Today the castle is a science centre and is home to the new 'Ireland in Space' exhibit. Take a trip that spans from the origin of our universe through to the near future.

Constructed in 1682 and garrisoned by the British Army until 1922, Charles Fort overlooks the Old Head of Kinsale and the mouth of the Bandon river. Today, this formidable structure provides a platform to enjoy the breath-taking views of Kinsale town and harbour. Close to 100,000 visitors a year enter via the drawbridge and step back in time to explore this ‘terror from the sea’. Commanding the seaward approach into Kinsale, Charles Fort fortified and secured Kinsale harbour from Britain’s European enemies. This remarkable piece of military engineering was designed by William Robinson during the reign of King Charles II. Associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, Charles Fort was besieged in 1690 during the Williamite War and more recently in 1922 in the midst of the Irish Civil War.

Good walking shoes are recommended as visitors will want to explore all 12 acres within the walls and another 8 acres of outer defences. Access to the ‘Charles Fort Walk’ leading you to Preghane headland is via the eastern outer defences.

Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. Famous for its harbour in Kinsale, the favourable mild climate and its safe harbour make Kinsale the ideal sport for yachting, sea angling, Dolphin & Whale Watching Trips, gourmet restaurants and golf.

Kinsale can easily claim its place amongst Ireland's most historic locations for this has been a centre of population, commerce, trade and fishing far beyond memory and record. In its earliest days the estuary of the Bandon River gave it great importance as the river is tidal as far as Innishannon and water transport was dominant until the 18th Century. The estuary also provided excellent anchorage for ancient shipping which went in peril of the vagaries of the weather.