Blarney Stone
- Address: Blarney Castle, Blarney
- Hours: Monday to Saturday: May: 9am - 6:30pm, Jun - Aug: 9am - 7pm, Sept: 9am - 6:30pm, Oct - Apr: 9am to sundown. Sundays: Summer: 9am - 5:30pm, Winter: 9am to sundown
- Admission: €10
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Castle
Everyone wants the gift of eloquence, and some say the Irish have it, well, the gift of the gab anyway. So, how are they so blessed? It's all down to the Blarney Stone. For over two centuries people have been coming to Blarney Castle in the south of Ireland to kiss this stone set into the battlements in the hope of gaining a silver tongue. It used to be that you were hung over the battlements from above by your ankles, these days there's less risk involved in leaning backwards from the parapet walkway while holding securely to a metal railing.
The origins of this magic stone are still debated. Was it Jacob's pillow, St Columba's deathbed pillow, or the stone that gushed water for Moses? Was it brought to Ireland after the Crusades or given to the Irish by Scot Robert the Bruce in gratitude for helping him defeat the English in 1314? We'll probably never know. But after you kiss it, tour the ruined castle, visit elegant 19th century Blarney House, wander around the lake, and gather stories to tell back home with your newly acquired skills of eloquence.
Latest Reviews
Review by Brad B, April 2013
Doing what: 3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Our transportation and accommodations were great. It was an excellent way to see a lot in a limited amount of time. A great value. We would highly recommend it.
Review by jeanlbeegle, April 2013
Doing what: 3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip
Great everything on time. Tour guides were great!
Review by Anna C, March 2013
Doing what: 3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip
I definitely recommend this 3 day tour especially if you're short on time! Everything was wonderfully planned, we were never forgotten about, our pickups were always on time, our guides were wonderful (we especially loved Bob), the hotel they booked was gorgeous, they really take care of everything. Not only that, but for our Cliff of Moher day trip my sister and I were the only people on the tour and they didn't cancel! My only complaint is that the driver/guide on our Ring of Kerry tour seemed like he was in a bit of a rush (he was a wonderful guide, don't get me wrong; very friendly and knowledgeable. I blame half of his rushing on the other people on our tour, they also seemed like they were in a rush). I really can't say enough about how wonderful this company is. I would definitley book a trip from them again (and again)!
Practical Info
Blarney Castle is located in Blarney Castle is located in the village of Blarney, 5 miles (8km) northwest of Cork, in the South of Ireland. There are daily trains to Cork from Dublin or you can fly which only takes 50 minutes. The cheapest option is the bus but it takes 5-7 hours.
