Blackrock, Cork

Blackrock is a village and suburb contained within Cork City, Ireland. It began as a small fishing village about five kilometres from Cork City but the growth of the city has meant the village became incorporated into the city. The village is home to Blackrock GAA club, Blackrock Castle, a weekly farmers market, and as of 2015 has seen some investment in regeneration projects for the village centre.

A short distance from the village is Blackrock Castle. There has been a castle on the site since medieval times but the present castle was built in the mid 19th century in mock-baronial style. It now houses an observatory and planetarium.

The Marina, a picturesque, tree lined avenue (not strictly a marina) runs along the southern bank of the River Lee from Blackrock Village past Páirc Uí Chaoimh and is a popular spot for recreational activities such as walking and cycling. The Atlantic Pond, in the shadow of Páirc Uí Chaoimh is also a popular area for walkers and is populated by wildlife, mainly ducks and swans.

Dundanion Castle, overlooking the Marina but difficult to access, is the ruins of a 16th-century castle. It is from this spot that William Penn sailed on his first voyage to America in 1682 before founding the state of Pennsylvania.

Blackrock Village hosts a farmer's market every Sunday morning in the village square. A pathway links the village to the relatively new development of Eden in Blackrock, which is a mix of apartments, duplexes and houses along with green spaces built on the former grounds of Blackrock convent.

Blackrock was formerly served by the narrow gauge Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway. Blackrock railway station opened on 8 June 1850, but finally closed on 12 September 1932. the old railway line is now used by walkers as an amenity. From 1898 to 1931 it was served by the Cork Electric Tramways and Lighting Company.

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