Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements
Blarney Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Blarney Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and wild flowers
Blarney Castle which includes a castle, a garden and heritage architecture
Blarney Castle


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.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Things to do near Blarney Castle

When visiting Blarney Castle, you'll find a variety of activities to enjoy, including scenic walking trails and charming shopping opportunities. Explore local activity centres for engaging experiences, or consider taking a boat tour to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Bus tours are also available, offering a convenient way to discover the region's rich history and culture while making the most of your trip to this enchanting destination.

Shopping

In Blarney, visit Blarney Woolen Mills, a delightful store just 644m away, perfect for unique gifts. The English Market, 8.0km away, offers a bustling atmosphere with local produce. If you're up for a drive, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, located 12.9km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Pairc Ui Chaoimh, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere while enjoying various sports events. Muskerry Golf Club offers a serene outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For a light-hearted evening, visit City Limits Comedy Club for laughter and family-friendly entertainment just a short distance away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 19.3km from Blarney Castle. For hiking enthusiasts, Mallow The Rebel Trail offers stunning scenery 24.1km away. Additionally, Blackwater Outdoor Activities features an exhilarating zipline ropes course, situated 27.4km from Blarney Castle.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Blarney Castle offers a delightful mix of culture and fun. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Everyman Palace Theatre or Cork Arts Theatre, both just 8.0km away. For a more adventurous evening, head to Leisureplex for exciting arcade games and entertainment vibes.

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

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of attractions, including historic churches, universities, and the iconic castle itself. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and romance of the area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and historical experiences. With a variety of points of interest to explore, Blarney is sure to leave a lasting impression on every traveller.

  • Blarney Stone: Nestled within Blarney Castle, the Blarney Stone is famed for granting the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. This enchanting site offers a rich blend of romance and culture, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historical architecture.
  • University College Cork: Located 6.4km from Blarney Castle, this historic university boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Explore its picturesque campus, which is steeped in culture and history, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Cork City Gaol: Just 6.4km away, this former prison offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's past. With its captivating exhibitions and unique architecture, visitors can delve into the intriguing stories of its former inmates and the history of Cork.

Best time to go to Blarney Castle

The best time to visit Blarney Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 trip to Blarney Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim for a Monday stay as it’s the least expensive day. Booking about a month in advance can yield the best hotel prices. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly accommodations and last-minute deals, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the castle and utilise public transport for affordable travel options.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Blarney Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Blarney Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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