blarney castle visit

Visiting Blarney Castle: all you need to know to visit the most famous Irish Castle

All you need to know for visiting Blarney Castle: what to expect, how to go, if the visit is worth it, how to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castles in Ireland and one of the countries most visited destinations.

It is famous for being a medieval stronghold and for a peculiar story attached to the famous ‘Blarney Stone’ a stone that, if kisses, will give the kissed the gift of eloquence.

But is visiting Blarney castle worth it?

After many years in Ireland, during which I had ignored this castle, writing it off as a tourist trap without giving it a chance, one summer we fianally went and wow! I fell in love!

I was not expecting Blarney to be as beautiful as impressive as it is and now I can say with confidence that it is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and one that 100% worth seeing.

In this article I will explain why visiting and how to make the most if your time at Blarney.

Table of Contents

Why is Blarney Castle famous?

Blarney Castle is most famous for being the home of the Blarney Stone.

This is a stone, high up at the top of the castle and that, if kissed, it is said to give the kissed the ‘gift of the gab’, aka the gift of eloquence.

It is not clear where the stone and its legend originally comes from however, there is no doubt that the stone attracts people from all over, thanks to its magical powers: over 200.000 people each year go kiss it!

The stone is by far the strongest reason for people to see the castle however, there is much more in Blarney than that.

The castle itself is stunning and atmospheric, the gardens around the castle are beautiful and the whole estate is rich of history and magical stories, which make it a wonderful place to visit also if you are visiting Ireland with kids .

What is near Blarney Castle?

Blarney Castle is in the town of Blarney, in County Cork. It is an easy day trip from Cork city, and less than 2 hours away from Kilkenny and Killarney.

While far from Dublin (259 km, over 5 hours drive one way), the castle is so famous there are organized bus tours from Dublin to Blarney that make it possible to visit the castle as a day trip from Dublin too.

Best trips and day tours from Dublin to Blarney Castle

Many companies offer day tours to Blarney Castle.

They can be an excellent alternative to driving a car if you don’t feel like driving in Ireland or if you are on a road trip around the island and want to take a break from being behind a wheel for a day.

These are Blarney coach tours worth considering:

• Dublin to Blarney Castle full day trip
• Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle and Cobh, full day trip
• Dublin, Cork and Blarney full day tour

Good to now : if you are already in Cork, you can visit Blarney Castle and other tourist locations in the area with the hop-on hop-off bus service Cork Hopper .

How do you buy tickets for Blarney Castle

There are three main ways to book tickets for Blarney:

On day day, at the castle reception.

Online, from the castle official website

Taking a coach tour: they include entrance.

Need to know ! The tickets to Blarney castle are NOT fast track and you will have to queue to visit the stone. They are however discounted if booked online so, if you are sure of the date of your visit, they can be worth it.

How to kiss the Blarney Stone

The most famous attraction of all in Blarney is the stone. It is at the very top of the castle and getting to it takes a bit of patience (the line can be VERY long) and not to be afraid of heights.

The stone sits in a peculiar position atop of the castle and to kiss it, it is necessary to lie on your back and bend over backwards over a sheer drop between the castle top and the ground below.

To do this, you hold onto a railing and you also have staff to hold onto you: depending on your height, you are not really dangling down, however, the top part of your body is, hence my note about only doing it if you are not afraid of heights.

Due to the peculiarity of the manoeuvre, kids under 8 are not allowed to kiss the stone unless this is deemed safe by the attendant. If you are planning to visiting Balrney Castle with kids, read our family guide here .

Is Blarney Castle worth visiting without kissing the stone?

Absolutley yes! While the Blarney Stone is the most famous thing about the Blarney Castle, there are very many more things to do here that make a stop worth it.

I myself have no interest in the stone (definitely not with that queue anyway) but always love a day at Blarney. You can very easily ignore the stone altogether and have a wonderful day here.

Things to see in Blarney Castle

As I mentioned, there are several things that make Blarney Castle worth seeing, beside the stone.

The castle itself

Blarney Castle is a medieval castle originally built in 1200s and then rebuilt in the form we see today in 1446. It is one of the most most impressive castles surviving in the country and it is very beautiful.

Its wall are made of dark stone and the main part of the castle is a might tower, complete with battlements.

The castle sits on a cliff and this position plus its height make it positively imposing!

The castle also has a circular tower beside it which adds to the might of the complex.

Need to know : Blarney Castle is a castle in ruin and is to be visited for its outside and structure. Do not expect plush interiors of regal decor inside it!

The poison garden

Probably my favorite bit of all the Blarney Castle Estate is the poison garden, the garden of medicinal herbs just beside the castle

This is a pretty, very well kept garden with medicinal herbs (poisons) and it is also a bit of a scary place as these plants truly are active if touched or ingested and can be very dangerous: some so much that they are kept in cages!

Among the others, there are wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin and opium.

Need to know: if visiting with kids (see below also) it is paramount that you make sure they do not touch the plants. This is not a place to let a toddler run free.

The wishing steps

Below the castle, you find the so called ‘Rock close’ a very atmospheric part of the gardens with evocative forests, a cave and magical corners such as the Blarney wishing steps.

The wishing steps, as the name suggests, are said to grant wishes to the people walking up and down them, with their eyes closed.

They are a cool corner of the garden and an absolute hit with our kids but fun for all visitors, regardless of age: if you are looking for ‘Romantic Ireland’, you will find it at these steps!

The witches’ stone

In the same are as the steps you will also find the witches’ stone, a stone that has the features of a witch!

This is a fun this to see and the darkness of the stone, plus the mossy appearance of the area and the canopy of trees, make it truly atmospheric.

The witch’s kitchen

Blarney Castle doesn’t only have a stone in the shape of a witch but also a real witch!

She is said to come out at night and, if you head early enough in the morning to her kitchen, in the rock close, you are said to be able to sometimes see the embers of her fire still burning!

As you can see, Blarney Castle is a wonderful place for anyone interested in Irish legends and folklore.

The woodland walks

One of the things that make a visit to Blarney castle so worth it there are the woodland walks around the castle.

Immediately beside the most visited part of the garden, the nature gets wilder and you will quickly find yourself in a beautiful wooded area that feels very far away for the castle and the city.

The walks doesn’t require any especial equipment or level of fitness and it is peaceful and beautiful.

Visiting Blarney Castle with kids

We visited Blarney castle with our two kids and we all had a blast.

The castle grounds are lovely for kids to run around and the wishing steps, the story of the Rock close area have that magical feel that will truly transport them in a work of magic potions and concoctions!

The castle is well equipped with shop and facilities however, there are a few things to take inot account:

• Kids under 8 are not allowed to kiss the stone, unless this is deemed safe by the Blarney attendant. Kissing the stone is dependent on height so also older kids with smaller height may be refused to participate.
• The poison garden truly has poisonous plants so you must make sure kids do not touch the plants or get to close.
• The inside of the castle is fun to visit with kids but hard with toddlers since the terrain is uneven and you do get pretty high up
• The gardens are easily accessible by stroller but the castle isn’t

Aside from this, the castle is a lovely place for a family day out and one I highly recommend. Find our tips for visiting Blarney with kids here.

Blarney castle practical info

Blarney castle is very well equipped to welcome tourists and has a shop with snacks and souvenirs.

Immediately outside the castle, we had lunch at the Blarney Hotel which has a welcoming restaurant and cafe and is conveniently located just in front of the the castle.

The castle gets very busy and while there is no problem for the gardens, even at busy times, the visit to the inside of the castle can be a problem. I recommend you try come as early as you can or later in the afternoon.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of Blarney Castle and it helped you plan you day and answer the question: is a visit to Blarney castle worth it?

Mama Loves Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! A thousand times welcome! I am a travel-loving Italian Mama lucky enough to call Ireland her home. Let my articles help you plan your trip to Ireland and get ready to fall in love with the Emerald Isle, just like I did. With love. M x

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Nestled away in the County Cork countryside, just outside the city, is the majestic Blarney Castle.

One of the most famous castles on the island, Blarney is a romantic partial ruin set in glorious countryside. Built on the site of a 10th century wooden structure, the castle grounds are filled with wooded hollows, strange rock formations and a glistening flowing river.

Croften Clark, a 19th century writer, described it as “indeed a fairy scene… I know of no place where I could sooner imagine these little elves holding their moon-light revelry”.

At the heart of Blarney Castle lies one of its quirkiest attractions. Kissed by world statesmen, literary giants and films stars, the huge Blarney Stone is said to impart the gift of eloquence or “the gift of the gab”.

Blarney Castle, County Cork © Shutterstock

Blarney Castle

Blarney was built nearly 600 years ago by the great chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, known as “The Strong”. While much of the structure is in ruins, there is no lack of things to see here.

Beneath the main structure lies a labyrinth of underground passages, built throughout the Middle Ages. Most of them are inaccessible but you can still visit the chilling dungeon, which was used to hold unfortunate prisoners. From these underground depths, climb the stone steps to the battlements at the very top of the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. And if you’re wondering about that tall structure beside the castle, that’s the watch tower, still standing and casting a suspicious eye over the Blarney demesne.

In spite of its ruin, Blarney Castle still captures the imagination. As you descend from the battlements, you can peer down into the roofless structure and picture just how it might have looked in its prime – the banqueting hall bustling with medieval nobles and their servants, the family room, glazed and luxurious by the standards of the time. Let's not forget the sinister murder hole – a pit in the floor used to drop rocks or boiling water on invaders.

Visitors kissing the Blarney Stone, County Cork © Shutterstock

The Blarney Stone

Of course, most people who come to Blarney are here for one reason – to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and hope its magical properties will grant them the gift of eloquence and persuasion, or, in simpler terms… “the gift of the gab”.

There are a whole host of theories, stories and myths surrounding the origins of the stone, from it being a gift from the goddess Clíodhna to it being a reward for saving a drowning witch. It's even been said that the stone is a chunk of Scotland’s Stone of Destiny, brought back to Ireland by the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy, in the mid-15th century.

Whatever its provenance, this famous rock is a must-do Ireland experience. You’ll find it at the top of the castle, set in the wall below the battlements, and if you’re planning on giving it a peck, you just lean backwards (assisted by a guide) while holding on to a handrails. All that’s left to do is to try out your newly acquired skills. Good luck!

Blarney Castle and Gardens 

© Shutterstock

The gardens at Blarney Castle

While you’re waiting your turn to kiss the Blarney Stone, take a look around. From your position on the castle’s battlements you have a perfect view over the estate’s 60 acres of sprawling parklands.

If you’d like a closer look at those vibrant, green lands, there are a range of walks you can take, including a guided tour that covers all the highlights of the estate. Explore the Fern Garden, with its limestone cliff that overlooks more than 80 types of ferns; make a wish on the famous Wishing Steps, while listening to the natural music of the nearby waterfall cascading against the rugged terrain; or stroll around the exotic Himalayan Walk.

Blarney Castle Gardens, County Cork © Shutterstock

Danger: poison!

Just behind the castle, you’ll find the intriguing Poison Garden , home to a collection of poisonous plants from around the world, including wolfsbane, mandrake and ricin. Each plant is expertly labelled with up-to-date information regarding its level of toxicity and uses.

During the 1400s, the locals would use these plants to create herbal remedies to cure various ailments plaguing the community. Today, it’s a fascinating place that you are invited to enter at your own risk!

Need to know: Blarney Castle

You must book a general admission ticket in advance through the Blarney Castle website . There are a range of prices for adults, children, students and seniors.

Guidebooks and maps are available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French and Chinese.

Audio guides are available in English only.

You should allow around three hours for your visit to Blarney, to give yourself time to see everything.

If you’re travelling by public transport, you can get to Cork city by train or bus. The 215 bus route runs between Cork and Blarney. The castle is just a short walk from the bus stop.

There is free parking available onsite at Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle, County Cork © Shutterstock 

County Cork highlights

Don't miss these things to see and do

Fota Wildlife Park

English Market

Crawford Art Gallery

MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory

Shandon Bells & Tower, St Anne's Church

Spike Island

Titanic Experience Cobh

Fitzgerald's Park

Accommodation

Hayfield Manor Hotel

The Glucksman Gallery

Cork Opera House Theatre

Elizabeth Fort

Fota Wildlife Park is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour and is only 10KM from Cork City by rail or car.

The English Market is an indoor food market, located in Cork City centre, offering a Victorian wonderland of exotic imported goods and delicious local produce.

The permanent collection of the Crawford Art Gallery, off Saint Patrick Street in Cork City, comprises of over 2,000 works, ranging from 18th century Irish and European paintings and sculptures, through to contemporary video installations.

Spike Island stands tall in Cork's natural harbour just 15 minutes ferry ride from the beautiful heritage town of Cobh in County Cork. The island has a dark and fascinating past.

Cork Opera House serves its city and surrounding region as a 1000 seat municipal theatre offering audiences a world class programme of events across the performing arts.

Elizabeth Fort (Dún Eilíse) on Barrack Street in Cork City, dates back to the early 17th century. The Fort has played a hugely important role in Cork city since then. The walls of Elizabeth Fort offer magnificent views of the cityscape below.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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How to Visit Blarney Castle

Here's our guide on Blarney Castle in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to kiss the Blarney Stone, a self-guided tour, opening hours, when to go, and how to get.

Without any doubt, Blarney Castle is a top attraction in Ireland. Situated only a few kilometers from Cork, this is one of the most famous castles in the country.

The castle was built almost six hundred years ago, and the fortification remains impressive to this day.

Today, the castle offers scenic views of the lush green countryside of County Cork , and the surrounding park is perfect for easy walks.

However, the main reason why many travelers decided to incorporate this castle into their Ireland itinerary is the iconic Blarney Stone, also known as the Stone of Eloquence.

Upon kissing the stone, the kisser receives the gift of the gab, or that's what the legend says.

And finally, due to its proximity to Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the most popular places you can visit while in County Cork.

Simply put, Blarney Castle is considered by many to be one of the best castles in Ireland .

But thanks to steep admission, big crowds, and the kissing-stone activity, Blarney Castle also gets a lot of flak for being one of the major tourist spots in the country.

And some people even say it's a tourist trap and it's better to avoid it. What was our experience? Let's find out.

So here's everything you should know about Blarney Castle before you go.

Why Visit Blarney Castle

Without any doubt, Blarney Castle is one of the best things to do in Cork .

The castle sits less than 10 kilometers from the city center and is extremely well-accessible, especially for travelers who don't want to rent a car.

Once you reach Blarney, you can visit the castle, kiss the stone, and explore the extensive park, so it's easy to spend several hours there.

Furthermore, it's a great place to visit on a day trip from Cork, even without a guided tour.

It's believed that a wooden structure stood on this spot before 1200, but there is no evidence to back up this story.

In 1210, a new stone fortification was built here. Blarney Castle was destroyed in 1446 but later rebuilt by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muscry.

It was besieged during the Irish Confederate Wars and seized by Lord Broghill in 1646.

The property had several owners in the following years, and in the 18th century, it was purchased by Sir James St John Jefferyes.

The stone castle has three-meter-thick walls at the base and is very impressive.

Today, Blarney Castle became one of the most visited places in Ireland.

Visiting the Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle sits northwest of Cork and is well accessible from the city.

However, we were approaching this area from the northeast. On the way from Dublin , we explored County Wicklow and County Tipperary.

It was a wonderful journey, but coming from this direction presented us with a more practical question of when we should actually visit Blarney Castle.

Even though it might seem a bit unintuitive, we decided to drive to Cobh first, then explore Cork and visit Blarney Castle on the way out of the city.

So we arrived in Blarney from Cork just after lunch, and the town seemed very lively.

The area around the main square was humming with life, and there were people everywhere.

We missed the turnoff to the official parking, but that was luckily not a big deal as we simply turned the car around at the next available opportunity.

After a few days on the road, Blarney Castle was our first proper tourist experience in Ireland.

Sure, we have already seen Powerscourt House and Gardens or Glendalough Monastic Site , but both sites were surprisingly quiet.

On the other, the first impression of Blarney Castle was touristy and busy. Due to the castle's reputation, that's not the most groundbreaking discovery.

However, this site won't most likely become your favorite if you prefer quiet places.

We bought the expensive tickets and started exploring the castle grounds right away, with the castle itself being our first stop.

Blarney Castle

A well-maintained path brought us to the castle entrance, where we discovered that the castle grounds were still very quiet, at least when compared to peak season.

The thing that gave away this little secret was the small signs along the pathway indicating waiting times (90 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.).

And we were lucky enough to walk directly to the castle's entrance without ever stopping (except for the photos).

The reason there are such long waiting times is that if you want to go inside the castle and climb to the top, you will need to use the same staircase as those who want to see the Blarney Stone.

So even if you don't want to kiss the stone, you will still need to wait with the rest as there is no alternative path.

The problem is that we believe the castle interiors are worth seeing, but we probably wouldn't wait for more than thirty minutes to go inside.

One of our favorite things about Blarney Castle was that the ruins really bring you back in time.

Walking through the cold and damp corridors, exploring bare chambers, and climbing narrow stairs is a fantastic experience for everyone who is at least slightly interested in what life looked like all those centuries ago.

Sure, some might argue that the castle is basically a ruin compared to Kilkenny Castle or even Cahir Castle , but we actually liked it.

Blarney Stone

Without any doubt, the iconic Blarney Stone is the main attraction at the castle. And it's easily one of the most tourist things we've ever seen. And we saw a lot.

Mind you. We hadn't read anything about the stone before the trip, so we had just a general idea from the information we gathered at the castle's information boards.

Climbing very narrow stairs to the top of the tower took way longer than we expected, and we still had no idea why it took so long.

When we appeared at the top, we soon found out why our progress wasn't swift.

The act of kissing the stone is not as easy as it might seem at first sight. To receive the gift of eloquence, you need to earn it first.

So once you reach the top of the tower, you will need to wait in line in order to approach the stone. Then lie on your back, hold onto the iron railing, and tilt your head back to be able to kiss the stone.

Plus, there was a guy securing the people kissing the stone and a photographer taking pictures of them.

The whole scene seemed just a bit bizarre, especially as we later learned that on a busy day, you could even spend here an hour or two waiting for this experience.

We also noticed that the locals were way more cheerful than the international tourists and had a great time while queuing.

On the other hand, the results should be imminent.

We enjoyed the views from the top, bypassed the line, and skipped the activity.

Therefore, we remain inarticulate, as you can clearly see from our posts. But jokes aside, if you're less lucky than us, waiting two hours for this experience is not worth it.

By the way, this activity is as safe as it can be today for obvious reasons.

On the way out, don't miss the informative board on the castle wall that depicts the original and proper way of kissing the stone. It definitely used to be far more adventurous.

Castle Gardens

One of the best things about the Blarney Castle Gardens was that there were way fewer people around.

It was not as peaceful as our visit to Birr Castle , where it seemed we had the ground just for ourselves.

Still, walking around this area was far more relaxed than the stretch between the entrance and the castle.

Another great thing about the gardens is that there are plenty of interesting corners with different themes.

Himalayan Valley is full of magnolias, rhododendrons, and other species, Tropical Border has bananas and yuccas, Fern Garden features tall Dicksonias ferns, and the Carnivorous Courtyard is full of insect and arthropod eating plants.

The garden is also home to many exceptional tree species, with the gigantic Wester Red Cedar being the most famous one.

Poison Garden

However, our favorite attraction at Blarney Castle's gardens was the iconic Poison Garden, created to educate visitors about poisonous plants.

The garden aims to show that some plants are toxic and can be used for various purposes, including medical.

The plant collection features Mandrakes, Wolfsbane, Hemlock, or Nightshade.

Obviously, the sign indicates that you should enter the garden at your own risk and avoid touching and eating the plants.

Blarney Castle House

Within the park, you will also have a chance to visit Blarney Castle House.

Built in 1874, the Colthurst family still uses the house as their residence. This Scots baronial-style house can be explored on 30-minute guided tours for an extra fee.

It was closed on the day of our visit, so we could only admire it from the outside.

Blarney Lough

On the way to Blarney Lough, it started to rain. Compared to the castle area, there were only a few people around.

The further end of Blarney Lake is about two kilometers from the entrance, and it takes about an hour to complete the loop.

By the time we reached the exit, the rain had turned into a downpour and kept falling for another hour or two.

Town of Blarney

There are not many things to do and see in Blarney town, except for the castle. You will find a few hotels, restaurants, and stores in the town.

The most popular place for shopping is Blarney Woollen Mills.

How Much Time Do I Need

On a quiet day, allow yourself at least two hours for Blarney Castle.

Two hours at Blarney Castle will give you plenty of time to explore the castle, climb the tower, kiss the stone, and walk around the gardens.

If you want to explore this extensive site in a more relaxed manner and explore the gardens more thoroughly, allow yourself three to four hours.

Don't forget that Blarney Castle is one of the top attractions in Ireland and gets incredibly busy during the peak season.

On top of that, many locals plan an outing with their families and friends to the castle during the weekends.

We can't fail to mention that Blarney Castle is also extremely popular with bus tours.

Therefore, it's not unheard of that you might end up waiting for two hours in line just for the Blarney Stone on certain days.

Arriving at Blarney Castle on such a busy day might negatively affect your experience, so it's better to be prepared to avoid disappointment.

The best way to avoid crowds at Blarney Castle during the peak season is to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

It's simple advice that works not just here but pretty much at every site around the world.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

Opening Hours

Blarney Castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from May to September. In the winter, the castle closes an hour early.

The last admission is 60 minutes before closing.

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Blarney Castle is €18 per adult.

Unfortunately, the tickets are fairly expensive and might make you think twice about whether the castle is worth visiting or not, especially if you're visiting Ireland on a budget .

You can buy tickets in advance online or at the ticket office on arrival. They do not have time slots.

Blarney Castle is open all year round. The complex has an extensive park, so the best time to visit Blarney Castle is from spring to autumn.

Summer is the perfect time to explore Emerald Isle but be prepared for crowds during this period.

Visiting Blarney in winter is perfectly fine.

Just make sure to know when is the best time to visit Ireland , as you will want to explore more places than just this site.

What to Pack

The castle grounds are extensive, and the steps at the tower are uneven. Therefore, make sure to bring comfortable shoes .

If you want to spend several hours there, don't forget to bring plenty of water with you and some snacks (in case you don't want to spend money at the on-site cafes or restaurants in the village).

You will also need a small daypack for all your essentials.

We were caught in the rain while exploring the grounds, so we were glad we wore our trusty rain jackets .

As the castle is very picturesque, make sure your travel mirrorless camera is fully charged.

Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland .

How to Get There

Whether you rent a car in Ireland or use public transport instead, it's very easy to get to Blarney Castle.

When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com .

We drove to Blarney Castle from Cork city center, and the GPS navigation showed us that the fastest route leads via Sunday's Well Road or Blarney Street.

What the navigation failed to mention was that some parts of the journey would include some very narrow streets.

If you're not a confident driver, this route might not be exactly for you - see tips for driving in Ireland .

On the way back, we didn't leave anything to chance and followed N20 all the way from Blarney back to Cork. While the traffic was heavier there, the experience was definitely less stressful.

Blarney Castle is 260 kilometers from Dublin (M7 and M8 route), and it takes about 3 hours to get there.

If you're starting your road trip in Dublin, make sure to include also the Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny in your itinerary.

Limerick is only 100 kilometers north of Blarney Castle, and it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach your destination via N20.

Seventy-five kilometers west of Blarney Castle lies the Killarney National Park , another major must-see place in Ireland.

Blarney Castle has designated parking which costs €2 for the duration of your visit.

This is a massive parking lot with a couple of hundred spaces, and it was really easy to secure a spot on the day of our visit.

Public Transport

Getting to Blarney Castle is easy, even if you don't have a car.

From Cork, a direct bus runs to Blarney village. The stop is only a few hundred meters from the castle entrance.

Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland .

You can take a 215 bus from Cork City Bus Station at Parnell Place to Blarney Village. Bus Eireann services this route, and the journey takes about twenty minutes.

Taking a bus to Blarney Castle is a great way to reduce your expenses.

There is no train to Blarney. However, you might consider taking a train to get to Cork in the first place.

The main advantage is that Cork is well-connected with the rest of the country, and it's easy to get there from cities such as Dublin, Limerick, Killarney , or even Galway.

We've already outlined several ways to reach Blarney Castle, and we can't fail to mention guided tours.

Even though joining an organized trip to Blarney Castle tour might seem unnecessary, there are a few instances where you should consider this option.

The main advantage of guided tours is that they usually include more stops, such as the Rock of Cashel or Cahir Castle .

Another huge selling point is that you can visit all these places even on a day trip from Dublin, which would be otherwise pretty much impossible without a car.

Here you can reserve a popular Blarney Castle and Cork Tour from Dublin or Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork.

Where to Stay

Cork is only a few kilometers from the castle, meaning that most travelers decide to stay in the city.

Obviously, Cork offers more attractions, restaurants, pubs, stores, and accommodations to suit all preferences than any other destination in this county.

As this is the second largest city in the country, it gets much busier and hectic.

If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience, you can opt for staying in Blarney instead. Even though this is a very small town, it's not difficult to find decent accommodation there.

Alternatively, you should be able to find a lovely B&B in the countryside for an even more tranquil experience.

Here we hand-selected the best hotels near Blarney Castle.

Blarney | Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel - Sitting in the heart of Blarney town, this hotel has a perfect location to explore the castle and village. Rooms are clean and spacious with stylish furnishings. The on-site restaurant serves modern Irish cuisine, and there is free parking in front of the hotel.

Cork County | Maranatha Country House - Situated only three kilometers from Blarney, this lovely bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms, lovely grounds, a welcoming host, and free on-site parking.

Cork | The Kingsley Hotel - Located in a quiet location, Kingsley Hotel offers individually decorated rooms with beautiful river views, an organic spa, an indoor swimming room, and two on-site restaurants. The hotel also has convenient underground parking.

Is Blarney Castle Worth Visiting?

In our opinion, Blarney Castle is definitely worth visiting, although there are a couple of things you should consider before you go.

As we mentioned earlier, the tickets are not cheap. If you plan to spend a whole day at the castle grounds, you're probably getting good value for your money.

On the other hand, spending an hour or two at Blarney Castle might not be such a great deal, at least when compared to other castles you can visit in Ireland.

Secondly, Blarney Castle gets busy on the weekends, especially during the summer. And the waiting times for the Blarney Stone can be annoying.

The good thing is that the site is extensive, so it's easy to find peaceful moments here, even during the peak season.

If you know what to expect, you should have a great time at Blarney Castle.

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation : When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Tours : Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator .

Rental Cars : When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com , a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets : When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance : World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

Book tickets

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The Ultimate Blarney Castle Visitor Guide

LAST UPDATED: 1/30/24 – Blarney Castle Visitor Guide

Located near the city of Cork in Southern Ireland, the Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castles in Ireland.  Built by one of Ireland’s most powerful and influential chieftains, Cormac McCarthy roughly 600 years ago, the castle attracts droves of visitors to this day.  Much of that has to do with the legendary Blarney Stone, which is said to give you the gift of eloquence upon kissing it.

Though the Blarney Stone attracts its fair share of visitors, the allure of the castle goes well beyond this famous stone.  The castle itself, and the gardens that surround the castle, are some of the most beautiful in Ireland.  The Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of the last remaining estate villages remaining in Ireland as well, which makes it a key piece of history to hold on to and treasure.

Blarney Castle Guide Navigation Menu

How to get to blarney castle.

The Blarney Castle is located in the South of Ireland near the city of Cork.  From the city of Cork, the castle is just a 15-minute drive via the N20.  If you are coming from Dublin, you will want to take the M7, the M8, and then the N20 to get to Blarney Castle. 

The drive will take you roughly three and a half hours.  If you are heading to Blarney Castle from Galway in the West, the castle is roughly two and a half hours away via the M18 and N20.

Visiting Blarney Castle from the Cork Area

Blarney Castle is located in the county of Cork, roughly a 15-minute drive west of the city of Cork. If you are staying in the Cork area and would like to visit Blarney Castle, I have provided some driving directions for you to reference in my Blarney Castle visitor guide below.

From the city of Cork, please use the following directions to get to the Blarney Castle.

• Head east on Dyke Parade/N22 toward Mardyke St (280 m)
• Turn left onto Prospect Row/R847
• Continue to follow R847 Street View (500 m)
• Turn left onto N Gate Bridge/Griffith Bridge (43 m)
• Continue onto Shandon St/R846 (230 m)
• Turn left onto Cattle Market Ave (130 m)
• Turn right onto Wolfe Tone St (400 m)
• Continue onto Fair Hill Go through 1 roundabout (850 m)
• Turn right onto Mount Agnes Rd (92 m)
• Turn left onto Upper Fairhill (1.3 km)
• Turn right onto Commons Rd – Go through 1 roundabout (550 m)
• Merge onto New Mallow Rd/N20
• Continue to follow N20 (3.5 km)
• Take the R617 exit toward Blarney (350 m)
• At the roundabout, continue straight onto R617 (650 m)
• Turn left (signs for Clogheen) (450 m)
• Take Castle Cl Rd and The Groves to The Square in Blarney

For additional information on where the Blarney Castle is located and how to get there, you can also refer to the Blarney Castle Location Detail Map that I have included in my Blarney Castle visitor guide below.

Best Time to Visit Blarney Castle

It is hard to really plan around the weather in Ireland, as most of the year the temperature is pretty consistent, and the weather is typically wet.  However, some parts of the year are typically a bit warmer and dryer than others, so having this information to use in your planning is always good. 

I have included the average monthly temperature and precipitation for each month of the year for the city of Cork below.  This should assist you in determining when the right time to plan your visit will be.

Temperature (°F)

The average high and low temperature for Cork, much like the rest of Ireland, doesn’t typically get too high or too low throughout the year.  The months of June through September are your warmest months, with average highs in the 60s.  During January and February, the average lows drop down into the 30s, but it typically doesn’t get much colder than that.

Precipitation (Inches)

It wouldn’t be Ireland if there wasn’t a lot of rain, and the city of Cork is no different.  In some months, the city sees over five inches of rain.  If you want to maximize your chances of having dry weather, I recommend visiting during April through July, when the average amount of rainfall is closer to three inches than five.

Where to Stay Near Blarney Castle

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to see the Blarney Castle in Ireland is where you will stay. When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. So not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there.

Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. If you are starting to plan your trip to Ireland and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my Blarney Castle visitor guide below for you to review.

When visiting Blarney Castle, your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Cork.  It is only a short drive from the castle, which makes it an ideal place to book accommodations. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

View Larger Map

Touring the Blarney Castle

If you are looking to get a tour of Blarney Castle and the Gardens, I would plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring.  Ideally, the Blarney Castle should be considered a half-day affair as the lines can be a little long at times. 

To assist you in your planning, I have included information below on the hours of operation and fees (also shown in the image above).  For more detailed information, check out the Plan Your Visit guide on the official Blarney Castle website.

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws to Blarney Castle is the Blarney Stone.  For over two centuries, people from all over the world have traveled to Blarney Castle to kiss this mystifying stone.  It is said that kissing the Blarney Stone will give you the gift of eloquence, so it became a popular tourist attraction.

Back in the day, you used to have to be held upside down by your ankles to reach, and kiss, the Blarney Stone.  Today, the process is much easier.  You simply lay down, with someone holding, and reach your head down to kiss the stone.  In the picture below (which was taken looking up) you can see someone kissing the stone.

The Blarney Stone, and the tradition of kissing it , has a very interesting history.  I strongly suggest that you read up on it before you make your visit.

Blarney Castle Resources

To assist you in planning your trip to see Blarney Castle, I have included several helpful resources below.  Along with this guide, these resources should provide you with all of the information you need to make your trip a success.

• Blarney Castle – Plan Your Visit
• Blarney Castle – The Gardens
• Blarney Castle – Book Tickets

Blarney Castle Photo Gallery

The Blarney Castle is an amazing piece of history.  It was a lot of fun to visit, and even more fun to photograph.  Below are just some of the pictures that I took while visiting Blarney Castle in Ireland.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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Blarney Castle and Gardens

Blarney Castle’s Gardens are spectacular, and a joy to explore. Don't miss the poison gardens!

Historic Blarney Castle is famous for its stone, which legend tells has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.

Blarney Castle’s gardens are one of the most visited in Ireland. The 60 acres are a joy to explore. Visit the prehistoric Fern Garden, a deadly Poison Garden, and the magical Rock Close with its ancient Yew trees and druidic stones. Make a wish on the famous wishing steps while the waterfall cascades alongside you.

Stroll by the lake, river side and woodlands or in the dazzlingly beautiful arboretums. The gardens are constantly changing, and evolving environment and each visit is a new experience and don’t forget to kiss the famous Blarney Stone which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.

The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk!

• The ‘Poison Garden’ where toxic plants are kept in cage-like structures
• The Fern Garden & Ice house, a Victorian version of a modern refrigerator!
• The magical Rock Close with its ancient Yew Trees and druidic stones is a must see
• A stroll by the lake, river side and woodlands of in the dazzlingly beautiful arboretums
• The chance to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone
• Historic Blarney Castle – magical and warlike all at once

Monday to Saturday

Jan – Feb & Nov – Dec: 09.00 to 17.00

Mar – Apr & Oct: 09.00 to 18.00

May & Sept: 09.00 to 18.30

June – Aug: 09.00 to 19.00

Sundays & Bank Holidays

Nov – Feb: 09.00 to 17.00

Mar – Oct: 09.00 to 18.00

*Last admission – 1 hour before closing

Closed:  December 24 and 25 Last admission:   30 minutes before closing Approx. visit duration:  2 – 3 hours

Admission Prices 2020

Adult: €18.00 Senior (aged 65+): €14.00 Student (with valid ID): €14.00 Child (aged 8-16): €8.00 Child (under 8): Free Family (2 adults & 2 children): €45.00

Check out their range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

LANGUAGES: Free leaflets and site-map available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Audio guides available in English (fee applies).

DINING/REFRESHMENTS: Cafe and take-away snack hut.

PICNIC: Picnic tables next to the River Martin at the main entrance.

CHILDREN: There are two small playgrounds on the site. There is no charge for any children under 8.  Baby-changing facilities.

SHOPPING: Several shops on-site selling souvenirs and Blarney Castle branded merchandise.

PARKING: Free car parking and coach parking on-site.

ACCESSIBILITY:  The Castle is not accessible by wheelchair, but a large parts of the gardens are. Accessible toilets. Disability Parking Spaces. Assistance dogs are permitted.

Blarney Castle is located 8km from Cork City, in the centre of Blarney Village.

Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland

Facebook: @blarneycastleireland Twitter: @blarney_castle Instagram: @blarneycastleandgardens