Blackrock Castle Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Blackrock Castle Lighthouse
Constructed in 1582, Blackrock Castle stands on a promontory at the entrance to the River Lee and Cork's inner harbor. Its first light, a peat fire, was established in 1608 when local control was transferred to the community. The stone castle was rebuilt in 1722 and again in 1829, featuring a round main tower and a separate, taller tower. By the 19th century, a refined light from its taller tower earned it the name Lighthouse Tower. The structure ceased active service as a navigational aid in 1903. Following its purchase by Cork Corporation in 2001, the castle underwent complete restoration.
Why it matters: The castle's transformation into a public observatory and cultural hub reflects its enduring adaptability and significance beyond its original navigational role.
Light & Optic
- Focal Height
- 18m
- Geographic Range
- 12.7NM
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1582
- First Lit
- 1608
Significant events: rebuilt in 1722, rebuilt in 1829, transferred to local control in 1608, became inactive in 1903, purchased by Cork Corporation in 2001, completely restored
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Kinsale(0.7 km)
- Admiralty No.
- A5712
- NGA No.
- 6344
- ARLHS No.
- IRE-016
Tower & Structure
- Tower Shape
- round
- Tower Color
- white
- Material
- stone
Structure: A stone castle featuring a round main tower, now topped by an astronomical observatory dome, and a separate, more slender and taller tower.
Location
- Country
- 🇮🇪Ireland
- Region
- County Cork
- Sea Region
- Promontory on the southside of the entrance to the River Lee and Cork's inner harbor
- Latitude
- 51.6958°
- Longitude
- -8.4996°
Nearby Vessels
اعثر على منارة Blackrock Castle على الخريطة البحرية المباشرة
خطّط رحلاتك قرب Ireland، وشاهد السفن المجاورة في الوقت الفعلي، واستكشف أكثر من 14,900 معلَم ملاحي في التطبيق.