BlackrockÂ
Blackrock is a suburb along the river lee on the south eastern side of Cork City. It was founded as a fishing village but became part of the city as it expanded to it’s new limits.Â
It is a mainly a quiet residential area but it offers a lot to do from Blackrock Castle Observatory to Páirc Uà Chaoimh to the Marina there are lots of local top class facilities and things to do.Â
There was historically a large Ford Motors factory beside the marina but this is now a flurry of different businesses in the Marina Commercial Park.
Public Transport
Walking
Blackrock is roughly an hours walk to Cork City Centre. The area is very safe to walk around and there is lovely walking routes along the Marina and the old railway line greenway.
Bus Routes
Bus services are provided by Bus Éireann, and the routes which pass through Blackrock include:
- 202 Apple Campus – Hollyhill – City Centre – Mahon
- 215 Cloghroe – Blarney – City Centre – Ballinlough – Mahon Point
- 219 Cork Institute of Technology – C.U.H – Togher – Ballyphehane – Douglas – Ringmahon – Mahon Point/City Gate
Taxis
There are many taxi services running in the Blackpool area such as
Satellite Taxi – 021 480 80 80
Cork Taxi CoOp – 021 427 2222
The area is also served by the FreeNow Taxi App.
Trains
The nearest train station is Kent Station in Cork City Centre.
Attractions
There are lots of fantastic attractions in Blackrock.
One of the most well known of these is the Blackrock Castle Observatory, which is run by Munster Technological University and promotes Science, Space & Engineering.
There are also some fantastic walking routes such as those in the Marina and around the Atlantic Pond alongside the river lee and the Greenway which is along the tracks of the old railway line.
Páirc Uí Chaoimh is the home of Cork GAA and plays host to intercounty games as well as concerts and other events!
Culture & Activity
History & Heritage
Blackrock is an old fishing village at the mouth of Cork Harbour.
In the late sixteenth century Queen Elizabeth I built a fortification at what is now Blackrock Castle in order to protect Cork from pirates and other invaders. This fortification burned to the ground twice over the years and the current castle was built in 1829 at a cost of roughly £1000 to the city of Cork.
George Boole who invented Boolean algebra which is the basis of computer arithmetic lived in the area during his time as a lecturer in University College Cork.
Sport & Clubs
As well as Páirc Uí Chaoimh which showcases the elite level of Cork GAA there is also a strong sporting tradition in Blackrock.
Blackrock Hurling Club (known as the Rockies) is Cork’s most successful hurling club with more county, provincial and all ireland titles than any other club.
Being located on the banks of the river lee there is also a strong water sports tradition and Blackrock is home to Cork Boat Club and both the Lee & Shandon Rowing Clubs.
There are also local Taekwon-Do and Tennis clubs along with Gym, Swimming and fitness facilities at Oakgrove Leisure Club.
Eating & Drinking
There are some fantastic places to eat and drink in Blackrock.
Our favourite restaurants are the Castle Cafe, The Blackrock Inn, Longboats, The Leaping Salmon and the Pier Head Inn.
For some fantastic treats and coffee our favourites are the Natural Foods Bakery by the pier and Cortado Coffee at the end of the The Marina walk.
If you’d like to sample some Beamish, Murphys or any other local beverage check out The Venue or the The Maple Leaf!
Fancy something quick and easy? checkout Leger’s Takeaway for a fantastic burger!
For something different make sure to check out the Marina Market each sunday for a varying supply of tasty goods as well as art, crafts and other items.
Religion
Blackrock is open to people of any and all religions. Check out the below to see what facilities offer regular services to their members.
St. Michael’s Catholic Church
Holy Trinity Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church
Redemptorist Youth Ministry – Scala Retreat & Conference Centre
Education
While the educational offering may seem small in Blackrock there is many more options in the neighbouring suburbs of Ballinlough & Mahon.
Primary Education:
Scoil Ursula Primary School (Mixed)
St. Michaels (Mixed)
Beaumont Boys & Girls Schools (Separate Schools)
Secondary:
Ursuline Secondary School (Mixed)
School of the Divine Child (School for students with physical disabilities)
