Blarney Stone Tours and Activities

Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone


While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.

Even if you’re not convinced by the Blarney Stone’s magic, you’ll still find that a trip here is worth the petrol. Less than half an hour from Cork by car, Blarney Castle is an understated but impressive medieval marvel. While the Blarney Stone remains its key attraction, the castle gardens are also quite stunning. Roam in 60 acres of landscaped gardens and arboretums… but don’t touch the plants in the deadly Poison Garden!

Finally, the view from the battlements is also one to remember. Open every day from 9am, except on bank holidays, climb the ancient winding steps to the castle’s peak for scenes over the chuckling waters of the River Martin, the shimmering Blarney Lough and the breathtaking expanse of the Cork countryside beyond.

Plan a trip to see Blarney Stone

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The Dean Cork
Castlemartyr Resort
The Montenotte Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Blarney Stone

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
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork

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

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Imperial Hotel
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

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

Yugo Explore Bottleworks

1 out of 5
Bottleworks, Carrigrohane Road,, Ballincollig, Cork
Yugo Explore Bottleworks
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 Stone

In Blarney, County Cork, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities near the iconic Blarney Stone, including leisurely walks and shopping. Popular attractions include live music events, engaging pub crawls, and stranger meetups. Don't miss the chance to explore Blarney Castle and join local tours to immerse yourself in the area's rich history and culture. It's a delightful destination for both relaxation and adventure!

Shopping

For shopping in Blarney Stone, visit Blarney Woolen Mills for local crafts and gifts, just 644m away. The English Market, 8.0km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce and artisanal goods. If you're up for a drive, check out Mahon Point Shopping Centre, 12.9km away, for family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

At Musgrave Park, engage in various sports activities and soak in the energetic atmosphere. For golf enthusiasts, Muskerry Golf Club offers a scenic outdoor experience. For a family-friendly outing, enjoy laughter at City Limits Comedy Club, where comedy magic awaits just a short drive from Blarney Stone.

Adventure

At Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 19.3km from Blarney Stone, experience the thrill of karting in a vibrant atmosphere. For hiking enthusiasts, Mallow The Rebel Trail, 18.0km away, offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. Thrill-seekers can enjoy ziplining at Blackwater Outdoor Activities, situated 27.4km from Blarney Stone.

Nightlife

Experience the captivating nightlife at the Savoy Theatre, where culture and romance come alive. For a fun-filled evening, visit Leisureplex for thrilling arcade games. Don't miss the Everyman Palace Theatre for an enchanting show that blends family entertainment with artistic flair, all within 8.0km of Blarney Stone.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Stone

When visiting the iconic Blarney Stone in County Cork, explore the local attractions such as historic churches, the magnificent Blarney Castle, and nearby universities. These points of interest offer a rich cultural experience for families and travellers alike, blending history with the charm of the city. Don't miss out on the vibrant atmosphere that Blarney has to offer, making it a memorable stop on your Irish adventure.

  • Blarney Castle: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Blarney Castle, renowned for its legendary Blarney Stone. This historic fortress, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers stunning views and a glimpse into Ireland's rich culture and romance.
  • University College Cork: Explore the vibrant campus of University College Cork, a historic institution with striking architecture and lush grounds. This cultural hub is ideal for leisurely strolls and soaking up the academic atmosphere.
  • Saint Francis Church: Visit the serene Saint Francis Church, a beautiful representation of local architecture and spirituality. This peaceful space invites contemplation and offers insight into the cultural heritage of the area.

Best time to go to Blarney Stone

The best time to visit Blarney Stone can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blarney Stone falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blarney Stone falls in January, 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 CloudyModerately HighAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blarney Stone

To save money during your visit to the Blarney Stone, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the English Market, Blarney Woolen Mills, and Bells of Shandon. Travel during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation prices, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals or combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better savings. Don't forget to check for trip cancellation policies and special offers to maximize your budget!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blarney Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blarney Stone is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some money by combining your hotel stay at the Blarney Stone with your flights and activities through an Expedia package. This can be a great way to make the most of your travel budget!