Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Blarney Castle featuring a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Blarney Castle featuring heritage architecture, wild flowers and heritage elements
Blarney Castle which includes heritage elements, a park and château or palace
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 colourful 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 colourful 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.

Plan a trip to see Blarney Castle

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Things to do near Blarney Castle

While visiting Blarney Castle, immerse yourself in delightful activities such as leisurely walks through the stunning gardens and exploring the charming local shops. Don't miss the chance to enjoy well boating, a serene way to experience the natural beauty surrounding the castle. With its rich history and picturesque landscapes, Blarney offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for every visitor.

Shopping

For a charming shopping experience, visit Blarney Woollen Mills, just 249m from Blarney Castle, offering a range of Irish gifts. If you're up for a drive, head to Mahon Point Shopping Centre, 5.0km away, for a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Musgrave Park, a vibrant sports facility 3.1km from Blarney Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for active visitors. Pairc Ui Chaoimh, located 3.7km away, hosts thrilling matches, while Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, just 2.5km from the castle, provides an exciting night out with greyhound racing.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at West Cork Surf School, located 16.2km from Blarney Castle. For hiking enthusiasts, the Beara Way offers stunning scenery and adventure vibes, situated 18.6km away. Alternatively, enjoy karting excitement at Kartworld Adventure Centre, a mere 7.5km from Blarney Castle.

Nightlife

In Blarney, the Everyman Palace Theatre offers captivating performances and a cultural vibe, while Cork Arts Theatre provides an enchanting atmosphere for romantic evenings. For a fun-filled family adventure, Leisureplex is perfect with its arcade games and exciting activities, all within a short distance from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

When visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, explore nearby attractions such as historic churches, universities, and even a prison. This area offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for travellers. Key highlights include the iconic Blarney Stone, the castle entrance, and the beautiful Blarney Park, all within a short distance of each other, making it an ideal spot for a memorable day out.

  • Blarney Stone: Nestled within Blarney Castle, the Blarney Stone is famed for granting the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. The castle itself exudes a romantic aura, surrounded by lush gardens, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and cultural immersion.
  • University College Cork: Located just 2.5km from Blarney Castle, this historic university boasts stunning architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. It's an ideal place to appreciate Irish culture and history while exploring its beautiful campus and botanical gardens.
  • Cork Opera House: Situated 3.1km away, this magnificent venue offers a blend of culture and entertainment. With a diverse programme of performances, it’s a romantic setting perfect for an evening out in the heart of the city.

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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare room rates and explore last-minute deals. Look for eco-friendly hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Don’t forget to utilise public transport or enjoy walking around the area to keep costs down.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could save money by combining your hotel stay at Blarney Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.