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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Blarney Castle

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection

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The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

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The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

4 out of 5
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Davmar House

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Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
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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
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

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Moxy Cork

Moxy Cork

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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

In Blarney, County Cork, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities near the impressive Blarney Castle. Popular pastimes include scenic walking trails and unique shopping experiences. For those interested in sports, there are local events and golf courses nearby. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere with traditional music sessions and take a memorable trip to explore the castle's rich history and stunning gardens.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Blarney Castle, visit Blarney Woolen Mills, just 644m away, offering authentic Irish gifts. The English Market, 8.0km away, features a vibrant atmosphere with local produce. If you're up for a drive, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, located 12.9km away, has a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Musgrave Park, a sports facility perfect for various activities just 8.0km from Blarney Castle. For a more relaxed day, enjoy a round of golf at Muskerry Golf Club, located 3.2km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

At Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 19.3km from Blarney Castle, experience thrilling karting on exciting tracks. Explore the Mallow The Rebel Trail, 24.1km away, for a scenic hike surrounded by nature. For an adrenaline rush, try the zipline Ropes Course at Blackwater Outdoor Activities, 27.4km from Blarney Castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Blarney Castle with a show at the Savoy Theatre, offering culture and romance, or enjoy family fun at Leisureplex's arcadeAdventureZone. For more entertainment, catch a performance at the Everyman Palace Theatre, perfect for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle, a must-visit attraction in County Cork, offers a unique blend of culture, history, and romance. Explore the iconic Blarney Stone and its enchanting gardens, along with nearby historic churches and universities that enrich the experience. With a variety of local points of interest, you’ll find plenty to do around Blarney Castle that caters to every traveller's desires.

  • Blarney Stone: Nestled in Blarney Castle, the Blarney Stone is famous for granting the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. The castle's stunning architecture and lush gardens offer a romantic and cultural atmosphere that immerses visitors in Irish heritage.
  • University College Cork: A historic university, University College Cork boasts beautiful campus architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. With its rich academic history, it is a great place to explore art, music, and local events.
  • Saint Francis Church: This serene church is known for its stunning stained glass and peaceful ambiance. A visit here offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the area, complemented by its cultural significance.

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 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

To save on your trip to Blarney Castle, plan your visit during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance often yields the best deals, or check Expedia for last-minute discounts. Consider staying on a Monday for the lowest prices, and utilize Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities through an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore the area on foot to save on public transport costs.

  • 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, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Blarney Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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