Blarney Castle
A medieval castle near Cork whose battlements hold the Blarney Stone - kiss it, hanging backwards, and legend grants you the gift of the gab.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Blarney Castle, a stout medieval tower house near Cork, is famous the world over for the Blarney Stone set high in its battlements. Legend says that kissing the stone, leaning backwards over a drop while an attendant holds you, bestows the gift of eloquence, the gab. Around the castle spread lovely gardens, including a poison garden and a rock close of ancient stones.
What you actually see
- The Blarney Stone - the stone kissed for eloquence, high in the battlements.
- The castle tower - the climb up the medieval tower house to the top.
- The gardens - the poison garden, rock close and riverside walks.
- The grounds - the wider parkland and Blarney House.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn for the gardens and mildest weather; the castle is open year-round. Early in the day avoids the queue to kiss the stone.
Honest expectations
Kissing the stone means leaning backwards over a gap high on the castle, which is not for the fearful, and it draws long queues in season. The gardens are genuinely lovely and less crowded. It is a touristy ritual, embraced or skipped as you like.
Nearby
Cork city and its English Market are close; the harbour town of Cobh is nearby.
What to pack for Blarney Castle
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
