- Address: Blarney Castle
- 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
Blarney Stone
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.
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.
Tours & Tickets
3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip
From Cork and Blarney Castle to the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, you'll see the best of Ireland's west and south-west on this leisurely three-day rail ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
4-Day Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Connemara Rail Tour
Want to explore Ireland outside Dublin? This leisurely four-day rail tour shows you the best of Ireland's southern and western coastal regions, crammed with ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
2-Day Cork, Blarney Castle and Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin
Explore Cork, Blarney Castle and the stunning coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry at your leisure on this relaxed overnight rail and coach tour from Dublin. ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
4-Day Cork, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay Rail Tour
Traveling by rail and coach, this comprehensive four-day tour shows you the very best of Ireland. You'll visit Cork, Ireland's second largest city, and see the ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
