Blarney Castle Tours and Activities

Blarney Castle showing a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Blarney Castle featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Blarney Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and wild flowers
Blarney Castle which includes a park, heritage elements and a castle
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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Popular places to visit


Top Blarney Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The Dean Cork
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
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
The River Lee Hotel

The River Lee Hotel

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

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Imperial Hotel
Isaacs Hotel Cork City

Isaacs Hotel Cork City

3 out of 5
48 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Cork
Isaacs Hotel Cork City
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

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

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
Clayton Hotel Cork City
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 Castle

While visiting Blarney Castle, immerse yourself in delightful activities like leisurely walks through the beautiful gardens, engaging in horse riding, or enjoying local music sessions. For those keen on shopping, explore various shopping venues and areas nearby. Golf enthusiasts can also find a course to enjoy a round while soaking up the picturesque surroundings. Blarney offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and recreation for every traveller.

Shopping

Blarney Woolen Mills, only 644m from the castle, offers a fantastic range of Irish gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the English Market, 8.0km away, showcases local produce and crafts, while Mahon Point Shopping Centre, 12.9km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Musgrave Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports, just a short drive from Blarney Castle. For golf enthusiasts, Muskerry Golf Club offers a picturesque outdoor experience, perfect for a leisurely day on the greens while soaking in the beautiful Irish landscape.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at Kartworld Adventure Centre, located 19.3km from Blarney Castle. For an adrenaline rush, tackle the zipline and ropes course at Blackwater Outdoor Activities, 27.4km away. Explore the scenic Mallow The Rebel Trail, a hiking trail 24.1km from the castle, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Blarney Castle offers a vibrant mix of entertainment. Catch a show at the Savoy Theatre or the Everyman Palace Theatre for a cultural experience. For a fun family outing, visit Leisureplex for arcade adventures and games. Enjoy the lively atmosphere!

*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, located in County Cork, offers a rich blend of culture and history, with attractions like the iconic Blarney Stone, historic churches, and the nearby university. Visitors can explore the castle entrance and enjoy a leisurely walk to the stone, making it a perfect spot for romance and cultural experiences. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this enchanting destination, steeped in Irish heritage.

  • Blarney Stone: Nestled within Blarney Castle, the iconic Blarney Stone is famed for granting the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. The castle's romantic atmosphere and stunning gardens create a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in rich Irish culture.
  • University College Cork: A historic institution, University College Cork is renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Wander through its beautiful grounds and soak in the cultural vibes of this esteemed university, which has played a pivotal role in Irish education.
  • Cork Opera House: Experience the magic of live performance at Cork Opera House, a hub for culture and entertainment. This charming venue offers a romantic setting for enjoying a variety of shows, from operas to concerts, enriching your visit to 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 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 money on your trip to Blarney Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for better rates and look out for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. The cheapest day to stay is Monday, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Take advantage of public transport options for affordable travel, and explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Blarney Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Blarney Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.