Blackrock Castle Observatory

Cosmos Education CLG known as MTU’s Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO) is an international award-winning science and discovery centre and working research observatory housed in an iconic 16th century landmark building on Cork’s inner harbour. BCO opened its doors to the public in 2007 and communicates STEAM through the inspirational themes of astronomy and space using interactive displays and live planetarium shows. BCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Munster Technological University (MTU).

BCO is currently a participant in a number of Erasmus+ partnership projects with strong emphasis on astronomy, space, earth observation and environmental science.

Since 2016, through a strategic partnership with Research Ireland, BCO has coordinated Ireland’s national STEM week: Space Week Ireland. Space Week has shown consistent growth in its first seven years, and BCO works closely with schools of all levels across the island of Ireland. Within Ireland, BCO are National Astronomy Education Committee members and National Outreach Coordinators for the International Astronomical Union. BCO are members of Dark Sky Ireland and the Cork Sky Friendly Committee. BCO was the University representative on the National Steering Committee for the Development of the National Space Strategy for Enterprise. BCO is specifically tasked within that Strategy to encourage greater participation and understanding of the opportunities of space across industry and amongst the general public.