What can I say! Where to begin!? I have done the planetarium tour numerous times, both Solo and with my Leaving Certificate Physics class, and every single time, I manage to learn something new. The atmosphere as you first enter is mysterious, and yet as the tour progresses you go from dark and mysterious cinemas to interactive learning experiences to incredible views of Lough Mahon. I have taken tours of the castle also to see the history behind it, and it never fails to amaze me. Having gotten an inside look at how the castle operates by doing a week-long work placement there also made me appreciate the work done by the staff. I had the good fortune of even seeing the observatory, which is genuinely incredible, and the journey up to it through winding, steep staircases is wonderful. The workshops set up for the kids are incredible and help teach about our cosmos and other, interesting ideas! Overall, it has always been an incredibly versatile and educational experience, and I would always recommend it to anybody looking for a historical, scientific and FUN day out!! (Also, keep an eye out for Blackrock Castle Observatory open on Cork Culture Night!!)

Booked this online as we wanted an indoor activity given rain was expected. As it turns out, the sun was out, but you should still go, whatever th weather. Castle is lovely and the tour was one of the best. The guide was great, he was very informative and gave us a full history of castle, we got to walk up 87 steps to top of castle to see the onservatory telescope (not allowed inside as very expensive equipment), with great views. Then down to basement to the gunnery room and finally to the planetarium. This wouldnt be your traditional planetarium lookng up at a dome but there are banks of seats and a scfeen. Nonethess, very cool. What made the tour was the guide, phd student on astronomy. He was excellent, in terms of knowledge, friendliness and humour. There were many people with alot fo questions on space/planets and he handled them all without any fuss. Aside, there is a restaurant in the courtyard (indoor and outdoor, best to book) and a nice lunch can be had afterwards. Highly recommended.

Signage to Blackrock Castle is non-existent but the Castle was well worth the hunt! Lovely café and an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable. We found the hour far too short a time to take in the exhibition as well as the "planetarium" and will return. The tour costs €20 for up to a 6 person pod.