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.
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)
- Cork, Blarney, T23 Y598, IE
- +353214385252
- Visit website
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
Discover more about Blarney Castle & Gardens(Gairdíní Chaisleán na Blarnan)
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Blarney Castle & Gardens
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