Blarney Castle Tours

Blarney Castle featuring heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture
Blarney Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
Blarney Castle which includes chateau or palace, wildflowers and heritage architecture
Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace, a park and heritage architecture
Blarney Castle which includes flowers and a park

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.

Take a self-guided tour of the castle and gardens. A good place to start is at the main castle building. Peek inside the Badger’s Cave soldiers fled through this passageway during a siege by Oliver Cromwell’s army. Look down into the eerie dungeon to find a maze of underground tunnels and chambers. Look for the Court, set against the castle’s eastern wall, which is all that remains of a Gothic mansion built by the noble Jeffereys family in the 1700s.

Climb the steps of the tower to the famous Blarney Stone. Hold onto the rails, lean back and kiss the stone to receive the mythical gift of eloquence. There are many legends attached to the stone’s origins. One states that Robert the Bruce gave it to Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster in gratitude for support during the Battle of Bannockburn. Another suggests that it was Jacob’s pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah.

Stroll along the pathways winding around the castle’s magnificent gardens. Admire colorful herbaceous borders, spot poisonous plants from around the world and learn about the folklore of native Irish plant species. Gaze up at rare and exotic trees in the peaceful arboretum.

Discover unique rock formations in the Rock Close garden. The Druid’s Altar, Wishing Steps and Witch’s Kitchen all tell stories of a fascinating medieval past.

Blarney Castle is about a 15-minute drive northwest of Cork. A public bus service operates between the castle and Cork. Use free parking available outside the main entrance.

The castle is open daily and has an admission fee. Purchase tickets online to benefit from discounts. Check the castle’s official website for full details.

Plan a trip to see Blarney Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemartyr Resort

5 out of 5
per person
Oct 15 - Oct 18
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Boston (BOS) to Cork (ORK)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (556 reviews)
A very unique and pleasant atmosphere

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Hayfield Manor

Hayfield Manor

5 out of 5
South Parish
per person
Sep 11 - Sep 17
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Orlando (MCO) to Cork (ORK)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (603 reviews)
Amazing hotel. Beautiful property, great rooms. Great staff. Thank you for a great stay.

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Luxury Country Mansion in West Cork

Luxury Country Mansion in West Cork

2.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Sep 11 - Sep 17
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Orlando (MCO) to Cork (ORK)
No reviews

Browse tours and tickets to explore Blarney Castle

Tours & day trips

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Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle 1-Day Rail Tour

Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle 1-Day Rail Tour

Activity duration is 13 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 77 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $161 per adult
Cork, Cobh & Blarney Castle 1-Day Rail TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $1,008 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience

Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $36 per adult
Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery ExperienceOpens in new tab

Attractions

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Day Tour Ring of Kerry

Day Tour Ring of Kerry

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $58 per adult
Day Tour Ring of KerryOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

Blarney Stone

While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

Blarney Stone
Cork City Gaol which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Cork City Gaol

Experience the harshness of Irish penal life in the 19th century as you wander amid the cells of this architecturally impressive former prison.

Cork City Gaol
Fitzgerald Park which includes a statue or sculpture

Fitzgerald Park

Enjoy picnics on landscaped lawns, visit a city history museum and attend free summer concerts at this attractive riverfront park.

Fitzgerald Park
Glucksman Gallery featuring modern architecture

Glucksman Gallery

Browse the ever-changing and thematic exhibits by contemporary Irish and international artists displayed in the halls of an award-winning building.

Glucksman Gallery

Church of the Resurrection

Learn about the local history of Blarney with a stop at Church of the Resurrection. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Church of the Resurrection

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Learn about the local history of Blarney when you spend time at Church of the Immaculate Conception. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this relaxing area.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Best Lodging Options Near Blarney Castle

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Blarney Village, Blarney, Cork
Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection
The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The Dean Cork
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

4 out of 5
John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork, Cork
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

4 out of 5
Western Road, Cork, Cork
The River Lee Hotel
Isaacs Hotel Cork City

Isaacs Hotel Cork City

3 out of 5
48 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Cork
Isaacs Hotel Cork City
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Imperial Hotel
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

1 out of 5
Washington St., Cork, County Cork
Destiny Student - Broga House Cork
See all 398 properties in Blarney Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blarney Castle

When visiting Blarney Castle, enjoy a variety of activities such as walking through its beautiful gardens, shopping for unique souvenirs, and exploring the nearby rugby pitch. Consider joining Paddywagon tours for a local experience or taking day trips to discover the scenic beauty of County Cork. There's plenty to see and do, making your visit to Blarney both enjoyable and memorable.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavors, visit Murphy's Brewery, just 5 miles from Blarney Castle, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious brews. Don’t miss the Jameson Experience, 17 miles away, where you can enjoy Irish whiskey and engaging entertainment amidst romantic vibes.

Shopping

Visit Blarney Woolen Mills, just 0.4 miles from Blarney Castle, for Irish crafts and gifts. The English Market, 5 miles away, offers local produce and artisan foods. If you're up for a drive, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, located 8 miles away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Pairc Ui Chaoimh, enjoy vibrant sports events just 6 miles from Blarney Castle. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lee Valley Golf & Country Club offers scenic golfing experiences only 5 miles away. For family fun, the City Limits Comedy Club, also 5 miles away, provides laughter and entertainment.

Adventure

Kartworld Adventure Centre offers thrilling karting experiences located 12 miles from Blarney Castle, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For a scenic hike, explore Barnane Walk, situated 19 miles away, showcasing stunning outdoor views. Experience excitement on the zipline at Blackwater Outdoor Activities, located 17 miles from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at Crane Lane Theatre for a blend of culture and romance. For family fun, visit Leisureplex for thrilling arcade adventures. Don’t miss Everyman Palace Theatre, showcasing captivating performances, perfect for a night filled with entertainment and charm, all within 5 miles of Blarney Castle.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle in Blarney, County Cork, offers a rich cultural experience with attractions such as the historic Blarney Stone, the beautifully landscaped grounds, and nearby Blarney Square. Visitors can explore the castle's impressive architecture and take in the scenic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, along with enjoying the local churches and beaches. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

  • University College Cork: Located just 4 miles from Blarney Castle, this historic university offers a vibrant atmosphere steeped in culture. Wander through its beautiful campus, admire stunning architecture, and soak in the academic spirit that has shaped generations.
  • Blarney Stone: Right at Blarney Castle, this iconic stone is famous for granting the gift of eloquence. Experience the romance and history as you climb to kiss the stone, surrounded by lush gardens and impressive medieval structures.
  • Cork City Gaol: Also 4 miles away, this historic prison offers a glimpse into Ireland's past. Explore its fascinating exhibits and feel the haunting atmosphere that tells the stories of its former inmates.

Best time to go to Blarney Castle

Visitor numbers around Blarney Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Blarney Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blarney Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blarney Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blarney Castle

To save money on your visit to Blarney Castle, consider traveling during the off-peak months from November to January, when prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions nearby, such as the English Market and Blarney Woolen Mills. For accommodations, book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals and package discounts, which can combine flights and hotels. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and cash rewards on future bookings. Don't forget to explore the area on foot to save on transportation costs!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blarney Castle are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Blarney Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Blarney Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.