Blackrock Castle Observatory

Durant un petit week-​end à Cork (Irlande), j’ai pu visiter le Blackrock Castle, qui est également un observatoire.
Vu de l’extérieur, le château est magnifique! A l’intérieur, on y trouve différents dispositifs interactifs (écrans avec bornes tactiles etc.) qui donnent des informations diverses sur l’astronomie ou les formes de vie… Ces dispositifs sont destinés à la fois aux adultes et aux enfants.
Des visites guidées sont proposées (essentiellement en anglais il me semble). Notre guide était tout simplement géniale! Une petite sosie de Lady Gaga avec un humour particulier mais qui a au moins le mérite de faire vivre la visite.
Le château est très bien conservé et vous paierez 6,50 € pour y entrer.
Je recommande également le restaurant situé à côté du château: la nourriture y est excellente!

Un edificio más bonito exteriormente que en el interior.
Convertido en observatorio y con un restaurante bastante decente, el castillo tiene buenas vistas y en sí es digno de ver, aunque el interior carece de interés. Una pequeña exposición sobre el espacio y poco más, puesto que es como si fuera una edificación nueva por dentro.
No merece la pena pagar por visitarlo, aunque sí por ir a verlo.

BLACKROCK CASTLE OBSERVATORY 11.09.10
Called to Blackrock Castle one evening recently for a wine tasting at the Trattoria (which is in the castle courtyard). Took the first glass and headed for the castle ramparts for a look around the River Lee and Cork Harbour.
The complex has much more going for it though than the views and the restaurant. Here you will find Cosmos at the Castle (Ireland’s 1^st interactive science exhibit), monthly astronomy Open Nights, hands on workshops in science and Discovery Primary Science Programme.
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a joint venture between Cork City Council, Cork Institute of Technology and a private benefactor. Worth a visits for kids, young and not so young!
BLACKROCK CASTLE
Blackrock Castle is one of Cork’s iconic sites. The current building, completed in 1829, is the third castle to stand on the site.
It was used by the City Corporation during the 19^th century and was also the setting for the Admiralty Courts (the Lord Mayor being the Admiral of the Port).
After decades in private ownership, the castle is back in Corporation hands. In partnership with the local Institute of Technology (CIT) and a private supporter, an observatory has been built there and schoolchildren who visit can join in space age activities, star parties for budding astronomers and more besides.
Adults too are welcome here to join in the space age fun. It is a pleasant place to visit and one of the attractions is the Castle Bar and Trattoria. Serving Irish and Italian food, it is open everyday until 5.00pm and until 9.00pm on Thursday through Sunday and it also does weddings and parties.
If you want a nice walk, before or after the meal, then you have the Estuary Walk at the bottom of road by the castle.