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Blarney Castle & Gardens: Kiss the Stone of Eloquence

Discover the legendary Blarney Stone, explore enchanting gardens, and immerse yourself in the history of this iconic Irish castle in County Cork.

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Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold near Cork, Ireland, is famous for the Blarney Stone. Kissing it supposedly grants the 'gift of the gab'. Built in 1446, the castle is surrounded by extensive gardens featuring themed areas like a Poison Garden and prehistoric Fern Garden.

A brief summary to Blarney Castle & Gardens(Gairdíní Chaisleán na Blarnan)

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues for kissing the Blarney Stone.
  • Allow at least 3-5 hours to fully explore the castle, gardens, and grounds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the castle and gardens are mostly outdoors.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and potentially get a discount.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cork city center, the most convenient way to reach Blarney Castle is by taking the Bus Éireann route 215. The bus departs regularly from O'Connell Street and Parnell Place. The journey takes approximately 23 minutes, and the bus stop is a short walk from the castle entrance. A single fare costs between €4 and €6. Alternatively, take the 208 bus from Summerhill North to Bridge Street, then transfer to the 215 bus to Blarney for approximately €3.10.

  • Taxi

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

  • Driving

    If driving from Cork city center, follow the signs for Limerick (N20). After approximately 7 km, exit left, signposted for Blarney. Continue to Blarney village. Parking is available at Blarney Castle for a flat fee of €2. Be aware that a penalty of €50 is applied for cars retrieved after closing time.

Unlock the Best of Blarney Castle & Gardens(Gairdíní Chaisleán na Blarnan)

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Discover more about Blarney Castle & Gardens(Gairdíní Chaisleán na Blarnan)

Blarney Castle, located in the village of Blarney, County Cork, is one of Ireland's most iconic and visited landmarks. The castle's history dates back to the 10th century, with the current structure built in 1446 by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, the King of Munster. While now partially in ruins, the castle retains its imposing medieval character and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The main attraction is, of course, the Blarney Stone, also known as the Stone of Eloquence. Legend has it that kissing the stone bestows the kisser with the 'gift of the gab,' or the ability to speak with great eloquence and flattery. Kissing the stone requires leaning backwards from the castle's battlements. Beyond the castle itself, the Blarney Castle Gardens are a major draw, encompassing 60 acres of diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore themed gardens such as the Poison Garden, which features a collection of toxic plants, and the prehistoric Fern Garden. The Rock Close, with its ancient yew trees and druidic stones, offers a magical experience. The gardens also include a lake, river walks, woodlands, and arboretums. Blarney Castle House, a Scottish baronial-style mansion built in 1874, is located within the grounds and can be toured for an additional fee. The Blarney Castle Estate has a strong equestrian history, and visitors can often see horses and donkeys on the grounds. The estate is committed to conservation and biodiversity, and has been recognized as a 'Wildlife Estate'.

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