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.

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Castlemartyr Resort
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Reviews of Blarney Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
130
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
27
4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Leave plenty of time to visit the groups. You could easily spend half a day or more walking through the gardens. The Poison Garden was really cool to see and very informative.

5/5 - Excellent

Gina

If you go after noon, the line to tour the castle and kiss the Blarney stone at the top is not very long.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure you have enough time to walk around the beautiful grounds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Enjoyed the gardens

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful grounds! Leave time to hike around the property in addition to checking out the castle. Really nicely maintained!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Do not miss.  LOTS to see - beautiful and fascinating property

Popular places to visit


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
The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

4 out of 5
Western Road, Cork, Cork
The River Lee Hotel
Davmar House

Davmar House

3 out of 5
Knockacorbally, Blarney
Davmar House
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
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
Moxy Cork

Moxy Cork

3 out of 5
Camden Place, Camden Quays, Cork
Moxy Cork
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

While visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, make sure to enjoy a variety of activities such as leisurely walks through the stunning gardens and exploring nearby shopping options. The area offers charming boutiques and local shops where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding this historic site.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, visit Blarney Woolen Mills, just 0.4 miles from the castle. If you're up for a drive, the Mahon Point Shopping Centre offers a variety of shops and entertainment, located 8 miles away, while the English Market, with its vibrant atmosphere, is 5 miles from Blarney Castle.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a more leisurely outing, visit Muskerry Golf Club for a round of golf amidst beautiful outdoor scenery. For family fun, don’t miss the laughter at City Limits Comedy Club.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 12 miles from Blarney Castle. For a unique challenge, try the zipline and ropes course at Blackwater Outdoor Activities, 17 miles away. For a scenic adventure, hike the Barnane Walk, 19 miles from the castle, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Leisureplex, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone just 5 miles from Blarney Castle. For a more cultural experience, visit the Crane Lane Theatre or Savoy Theatre, both offering captivating performances and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for a night out with family or friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

When visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, explore the enchanting Blarney Village and the historic Blarney Stone, famed for bestowing the gift of eloquence. Discover nearby attractions such as local churches and universities that add to the cultural experience. With a blend of history, entertainment, and beautiful landscapes, there's plenty to enjoy in and around Blarney Castle, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a rich Irish experience.

  • Blarney Stone: Nestled in the iconic Blarney Castle, this legendary stone is said to bestow the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. The castle itself is rich in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a romantic and culturally immersive experience.
  • University College Cork: A historic university known for its stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Explore its beautiful grounds, rich academic heritage, and enjoy the cultural events that frequently take place here.
  • Cork City Gaol: Experience the intriguing past of this historic prison, which offers guided tours that reveal stories of inmates and life behind bars. The architecture and exhibits provide a unique glimpse into Ireland's history.

Best time to go to Blarney Castle

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
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 LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blarney Castle

To save money on your visit to Blarney Castle, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, filter by eco-friendly options, and take advantage of last-minute deals. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards on hotel bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blarney Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Blarney Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blarney Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blarney Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your search by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, so you can easily find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Blarney Castle with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • 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.

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