Blackrock Tearooms Reopen, Preserving Heritage and Enhancing the Park

Today, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announced the opening of the newly restored Blackrock Tearooms in Blackrock Park. First built in the late 1800s, the building had fallen into disrepair in recent years, and its careful restoration has now brought this landmark back to life while preserving its original character.

The reopening marks an important milestone in delivering the Blackrock Park Masterplan, safeguarding the park’s heritage and enhancing facilities and connections for the growing number of visitors. The restored tearooms are now open to the public, offering a beautiful and welcoming space for all to enjoy for many years to come.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:

“The kiosk has been part of Blackrock’s story for generations. Its careful restoration brings new life to this landmark, creating a welcoming place for people to gather, relax and enjoy the stunning views of Dublin Bay. Restoring a building of this age and character required significant conservation work, and we are proud to see it renewed in a way that respects its heritage while adapting it for modern use. 

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, commented:

“The reopening marks an important milestone in delivering the Blackrock Park Masterplan, safeguarding the park’s heritage while enhancing facilities and connections for a growing number of visitors. Restoring the historic kiosk is a significant improvement for both the park and the wider Blackrock area. This project shows how we can protect the historic features that make our places special, while also creating public spaces that feel welcoming, vibrant and enjoyable for everyone.”

The new tearooms will be operated by Mr Magpie, bringing a fresh food and coffee offering to this iconic location and will include additional seating and improved accessibility, providing a welcoming space to relax and enjoy views across Blackrock Park and Dublin Bay. 

“We’ve always believed our coffee shops should feel like part of the community they serve,” said Bernard O’Neill, Co-Founder and CEO of Mister Magpie Coffee. “Blackrock Park is already a place where people come to walk, meet friends and spend timeoutdoors, so creating a space that fits naturally into that rhythm felt like the right next step for us.”

A Family Story at the Heart of Blackrock Tearooms

During the restoration, our Heritage Officer was contacted by Bernie Murray, whose mother, Elizabeth Lambert, grew up in the tearooms. This revealed that the small heritage building, now open for everyone to enjoy, was once home to Stephen Lambert, a park warden in the early 20th century. Speaking with Elizabeth’s relatives at the launch, they described the works as a beautiful transformation. They shared how Elizabeth, born in 1917 would go for a morning sea swim before school in nearby Booterstown, offering a wonderful glimpse into the local life and family memories connected to this historic place.

Conservation & Restoration

The project has fully restored and renewed one of the park’s most recognisable and architecturally distinctive structures. With its Tudor‑style timber frame, wraparound verandah and striking roof profile, the kiosk has long been a familiar sight for those travelling along the Rock Road, using the park, or passing by on the DART.

The kiosk’s careful restoration preserves its historic character while significantly improving amenities for visitors. The renovation works, guided by a conservation report and detailed investigative studies, have reinstated the clay‑tiled roof, repaired and replaced damaged timber elements, and installed new glazing for weather tightness. The verandah has been fully refurbished, featuring new benches and a natural stone tiled surface. Inside, the space now includes a restored perimeter bench and a new serving counter.

Additional Improvements Delivered in Blackrock Park, as part of the Blackrock Masterplan

In recent years, the Council has delivered a series of upgrades in Blackrock Park as part of the Masterplan. These include a new adventure play space, high‑quality benches, and extensive planting at Phoenix Terrace, along with the restoration of the historic steps. This set of steps links the kiosk at the top of the hill with the bandstand and main park area below, improving accessibility and connectivity throughout the park.