Blarney Castle & Gardens, County Cork Travel Guide

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Discover the legendary Blarney Castle & Gardens in County Cork, Ireland. Kiss the Blarney Stone and explore enchanting gardens and historic ruins.

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Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold near Cork, Ireland, is famous for the Blarney Stone. Kissing it supposedly grants the 'gift of the gab'. The castle, dating back to 1446, is surrounded by extensive gardens featuring diverse landscapes and intriguing attractions.

A brief summary to Blarney Castle & Gardens

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Blarney Castle & Gardens.

Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the largest crowds, especially during peak season.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle and gardens.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the castle and gardens are primarily outdoor attractions.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Elizabeth Fort

Patrick's Hill

Rock Close

Carrigadrohid Castle

Historic Buildings of Pope's Quay

Explore Blarney Castle & Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Blarney Castle & Gardens, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Cork city center, take the Bus Éireann route 215 directly to Blarney. The bus departs from O'Connell Street and stops a short walk from the castle entrance. The journey takes approximately 23 minutes. A single fare costs between €4 and €6. Check the Bus Éireann website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Cork city center. A taxi from the city center to Blarney Castle takes around 17 minutes. Expect to pay between €20 and €25 for the ride.
Driving

If driving from Cork, follow the signs for Limerick (N20) and then take the exit for Blarney (R617). The journey is approximately 8 km and takes about 15 minutes. Free parking is available on-site at Blarney Castle. However, a parking fee of €2 is charged.

Discover more about Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle, a partially ruined medieval structure in County Cork, is one of Ireland's most iconic and visited landmarks. Originally built as a timber structure in the 10th century, it was replaced by a stone castle around 1210, with the current keep constructed in 1446 by Dermot MacCarthy, King of Munster. The castle remained the McCarthy family's stronghold until the 17th century.The main attraction is the Blarney Stone, also known as the Stone of Eloquence. Legend claims that kissing the stone bestows the kisser with the 'gift of the gab,' or great eloquence. To kiss it, visitors must climb to the castle's battlements and lean backward, holding onto iron railings. Various origin stories surround the stone, including tales of it being half of Scotland's Stone of Scone or a stone used by Jacob.Surrounding the castle are 60 acres of gardens, offering a variety of landscapes to explore. These include the prehistoric Fern Garden, the Poison Garden with its collection of toxic plants, the Rock Close with ancient yew trees, and the Wishing Steps. Visitors can also stroll along the lake, riverside, and woodlands, or explore the arboretums. The Poison Garden features labeled plants like wolfsbane and nightshade, while the Rock Close showcases druidic stones and a witch's kitchen.