Blarney Castle & Gardens

BLARNEY, COUNTY CORK
Our View
The site of the famous Blarney Stone, known the world over for the eloquence it is said to impart to those who kiss it. The stone is in the upper tower of the castle, and, held by your feet, you must lean backwards down the inside of the battlements in order to receive the 'gift of the gab'. There is also a large area of garden open to the public all year round, with woodland walks, a lake, fern garden, rock close (laid out in the 18th century), stable yard and a 'Poison Garden'. Blarney House is open Easter to the end of August (not Sundays).
Facilities – at a glance
Refreshments
Features
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
- Castle not accessible for wheelchairs
- Facilities: Limited wheelchairs
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open Mon-Sat, Jan-Feb & Nov-Dec, 9-5 (last entry 4); Mar-Apr & Oct, 9-6 (last entry 5); May & Sep, 9-6.30 (last entry 5.30); Jun-Aug, 9-7 (last entry 6). Sun & BHs: Nov-Feb, 9-5 (last entry 4); Mar-Oct, 9-6 (last entry 5)
Also in the Area
About The area
Discover County Cork
Cork is Ireland’s southernmost county, and is also the largest. There’s a lot of coastline, most of which is rocky and dramatic, but there are some amazing beaches, like Barleycove, Inchydoney and Owenahincha.
The town of Cobh is a naturally sheltered harbour, which made it a significant embarkation point for naval fleets during the Napoleonic Wars of the 18th century, emigration and prison ships in the 19th century, and the glamorous transatlantic liners of the 20th century. Today it is a seaside and sailing resort, with brightly painted Regency frontages above little shops and restaurants.
Youghal is a lovely walled seaport and one of the best-preserved 13th century market towns in Europe. Legend has it that this is where Sir Walter Raleigh first smoked tobacco from the New World and planted the first potato in Irish soil.
Cork, the county capital, is a vibrant, modern university city. Its status as a European Capital of Culture in 2005 resulted in major development throughout the city’s shopping areas. The city’s heart lies between the north and south channels of the River Lee. Its waterways and many bridges have given it the soubriquet of ‘Ireland’s Venice’.
Nearby Stays
Places to Stay
Dining Nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
Why Choose Rated Trips
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The Best Coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality Assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan Your Next Trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel Inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.