Blarney Castle Tours and Activities

Blarney Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace
Blarney Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Blarney Castle showing wild flowers, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Blarney Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
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.

Plan a trip to see Blarney Castle

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Best Lodging Options Near Blarney Castle

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Blarney Village, Blarney, Cork
Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection
The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The Dean Cork
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

4 out of 5
John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork, Cork
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Imperial Hotel
The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

4 out of 5
Western Road, Cork, Cork
The River Lee Hotel
Isaacs Hotel Cork City

Isaacs Hotel Cork City

3 out of 5
48 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Cork
Isaacs Hotel Cork City
Clayton Hotel Cork City

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blarney Castle

When visiting Blarney Castle, tourists can enjoy a variety of activities such as leisurely walks and shopping. For those looking to explore further, consider scheduled tours and tour bus options. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at nearby Killarney Golf Club or enjoy the scenic beauty of a golf course in the region. Make the most of your trip by immersing yourself in the charm of Ireland through these engaging experiences.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Blarney Castle, visit Blarney Woolen Mills, only 644m away, offering unique Irish gifts and textiles. The English Market, 8.0km away, showcases local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Mahon Point Shopping Centre is 12.9km away, featuring family-friendly shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

At Musgrave Park, enjoy an energetic atmosphere with various sports activities for fitness enthusiasts. Muskerry Golf Club provides a serene outdoor experience, perfect for golf lovers. For a light-hearted evening, the City Limits Comedy Club offers family-friendly entertainment, ensuring laughter and relaxation after a day of exploration.

Adventure

Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 19.3km from Blarney Castle, offers exhilarating karting experiences amidst vibrant adventure vibes. For hiking enthusiasts, Mallow The Rebel Trail, 18.0km away, showcases stunning outdoor scenery. Finally, Blackwater Outdoor Activities, 27.4km distant, features an exciting zipline and ropes course for thrill-seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Blarney Castle by visiting the Savoy Theatre for a romantic evening of culture, or enjoy family fun at Leisureplex’s arcadeAdventureZone. For more entertainment, catch a show at the Everyman Palace Theatre, where culture and family vibes come alive.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

If you're visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland, you'll find a blend of culture and history waiting to be explored. Key attractions include the enchanting Blarney Castle itself, beautiful gardens, and local churches. Perfect for families and those seeking a cultural experience, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Blarney while discovering the significance of the word "blarney" during your visit. Don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating destination!

  • Blarney Stone: Located within the iconic Blarney Castle, this legendary stone is famous for granting the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere, rich history, and romantic vibes as you explore the castle's stunning gardens and ancient architecture.
  • University College Cork: Just 6.4km away, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Stroll through its picturesque campus, visit the impressive library, and soak in the academic atmosphere that inspires generations of students.
  • Saint Francis Church: Also 6.4km from Blarney Castle, this charming church features stunning stained glass and a serene environment. Experience the rich cultural heritage and peaceful ambiance, making it a lovely spot for reflection and admiration.

Best time to go to Blarney Castle

Visitor numbers around Blarney Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

When planning your visit to Blarney Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the English Market and Blarney Woolen Mills. To save on accommodation, aim to visit between January to February or November, and book a month in advance for the best rates. Check Expedia for last-minute deals and flexible booking options, focusing on Mondays for the lowest prices. Utilize the search tool to refine results by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities to maximize savings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Blarney Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest price, ensuring you see the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay near Blarney Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.