Blackrock, Cork

For other uses, see Blackrock (disambiguation).

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.

Blackrock Castle (observatory dome visible on roof of largest tower)

Places of interest

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.

Transport

Blackrock Road in the early 20th century, with the tramway of the Cork Electric Tramways and Lighting Company

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.

The Number 202, and Number 215 bus routes link Blackrock to the city. The Number 219 bus route links Blackrock to Bishopstown via Douglas on a southern orbital route that avoids the city centre.

Sport

Blackrock National Hurling Club Crest

Blackrock is home to Blackrock National Hurling Club (nicknamed The Rockies) which is located on Church Road. The Rockies are one of Ireland's most successful clubs, with 32 Senior Hurling Championship titles, 3 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championships, 5 pre-1970 All-Ireland Titles and a number of notable inter-county hurlers over the years. Gaelic Football is played at St. Michael's GAA (nicknamed The Dazzlers) which has its playing pitches in Mahon.

The Beaumont area of Blackrock is home to the under-age section of Avondale United. Blackrock is also home to Blackrock Karate club and St. Michaels Tennis Club. There is also a lawn and indoor bowls club next to the tennis club's grounds on Church Road. Blackrock has long been a centre of rowing and is home to Cork Boat Club, Lee Rowing Club and Shandon Rowing Club.

Notable residents

George Boole, inventor of Boolean algebra (the basis of modern computer arithmetic) lived in Ballintemple during his time as Professor of Mathematics at University College Cork. Boole is buried in the grounds of St.Michael's Church of Ireland on Church Road. James Finbarre McMullen, architect of the Honan Chapel at UCC, lived at number 9 Coppingerstang, Blackrock.