Visiting Blarney Castle + 7 Things You Need to Know

Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by snaphappytravel

I grew up in Blarney, yep, the village that’s home to the very famous Blarney Castle and Gardens. And would you believe, growing up I rarely visited “the castle” as we locals call it! That is until recently when I found a new-found appreciation for the castle and its magical grounds.

“The Blarney Stone is only for the tourists” me and my friends would say as teenagers. We were dragged here on school tours or as part of the local kid’s summer camp, but we never really saw the appealing side of it. That is until I grew up and got to see the castle through new eyes.

It’s astounding how much hard work has gone into beautifying the gardens over the years. I may be biased because I’m a Blarney girl, but I have to admit that Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of my favorite places in Cork.

In fact, walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of my favorite pasttimes!

Related Read: If you’re interested in moving to Ireland, read my detailed guide – it tells you everything you need to know!

How Much Time Do You Need at Blarney Castle?

I recommend allowing between 3-5 hours at Blarney Castle – that way, you’ll have enough time to kiss the stone and explore the gorgeous gardens. As well as grab a coffee or snack at the on-site Cafe, which is located within an old stables. With 3-5 hours at the Blarney Stone you’ll also have enough time to visit the lake and snap some photos there.

Are Blarney Castle and Gardens Free to Enter?

No, Blarney Castle and Gardens is not free to enter. Entrance to the castle is €22 per adult, €17 for students and seniors, and €10 for children aged between 5 – 15. Children aged 5 and under are free. Alternatively, you can buy a family pass (two adults and two children) for €55.

What is the Best Time of Day to Visit Blarney Castle?

I’d recommend getting to Blarney Castle as soon as it opens at 9 am to avoid the crowds, as most coach tours tend to arrive at the castle after 10 am. When you get there you should head straight to kiss the stone as that way, you likely won’t have to queue.

You could also aim to get to the castle late in the day, i.e., around 3:30/4 pm, to beat the crowds – however, keep in mind that the last entry during the winter months is 4 pm. Last entry in the summer is 5 pm.

What is the best month to visit Blarney Castle?

May and June are the best months to visit Blarney Castle as the weather is warmer and the gardens are in full bloom. The average daily temperature in Blarney in May is 60 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) and in June the average temperature sits at around 65 (18 Celsius Fahrenheit.

Even though, it’s summer it shouldn’t be too crowded as most tourists wait until July and August to visit the castle as that’s when the summer school holidays in Europe are.

My Tips for Visiting Blarney Castle

I couldn’t help but take photos all day; the castle grounds are truly a photographer’s dream. Tip: if you see a queue of people waiting to kiss the stone, that’s your chance to stroll around the gardens and snap plenty of people-free photographs.

Everywhere is so green, it’s no wonder the tourists flock here in their thousands every year. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in all of Ireland. It gets very busy in the Summer months (July and August) so be prepared for that, you may be queuing for the stone and to enter especially at the weekends. During these busy times, you can easily come across over 5,000 tourists walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens.

If you love to walk, there are numerous routes you can take through the grounds, some a lot longer than others. The Woodland Walk, the Lake Walk, and the Riverside Walk are the three walking trails here.

The Castle’s grounds sprawl across 60 acres, so you can easily spend the whole day here – if you have the time!

Some of the best things to see in the grounds of the Blarney Castle, include –

• The Dungeon – You’ll find this below the lookout tower on the way to kiss the stone
• Fern Garden – A visitor-favorite, the tall ferns were brought over from New Zealand!
• Poison Garden – Is to educate visitors on the poisonous plants found in Ireland, safe to say, don’t touch anything here
• Herbaceous Border – At 100 meters long, this colorful herbaceous border is one of the most popular spots at the castle for a selfie
• The Wishing Steps – A firm-favorite with children, you must walk up and down these steps with your eyes closed and make a wish. Legend says that your wish will come true within a year
• Blarney Castle House – This mansion dates back to 1864, and the owner of Blarney Castle – Charles St John Colthurst, resides here for most of the year.
• The Witches Kitchen – It is believed that this is the spot where the first cave dwellers in Ireland lived. If you get to this spot first thing in the morning you may find a fire that was lit by a witch the night before!

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Ah, what you’ve (likely) come here to do! Kissing the Blarney Stone is without a doubt THE most popular thing to do at the Blarney Castle. And I know – it sounds a little weird – lying down on your back and leaning backwards to kiss a magical stone that millions have kissed before you!

There is an iron railing for you to hold onto as you lean back and a staff member on-hand to hold your legs, if needed. The Blarney Stone is believed to give anyone who kisses it the ‘gift of the gab’ – i.e., the ability to talk eloquently.

What is the History of the Blarney Stone?

Did you know? The famous Blarney Stone was originally known as Lia Fáil or the Stone of Destiny, and its mysterious powers were first revealed to the McCarthy family (the family who originally built the Castle) by a witch they had saved from drowning. As you know, it’s said to give anyone who kisses it ‘the gift of the gab’.

You can buy an annual pass for the Blarney Castle

If you live in Ireland or plan to visit the Blarney Castle several times in a year it may be worth your while to purchase an Annual Pass for the Blarney Castle Grounds, the price for an adult for a year pass is €120, a student or senior is €90 and a family pass is €275. Absolute bargain!

You can find more pricing information here 

How to Get to the Blarney Castle?

The Blarney Castle is a 15-20 minute drive from Cork City and 30 minutes from Cork Airport. It’s easily reachable by bus from Cork City – the 215 bus departs from the Grand Parade or St Patrick’s Street in the city center.

The easiest way to get around Ireland is with a rental car – we always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’ – it’s so easy to use!

If you love the ease of a guided tour, then this guided tour of Blarney Castle that departs from Cork City, is highly recommended! It’s a full-day tour which also visits Kinsale and Cobh. It costs from €90 per person.

Book the guided tour of Blarney Castle here!

Where to Stay in Blarney

Blarney is a tiny village, so there aren’t too many accommodation options here – I’ve listed the best ones below:

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel – Located just 500 meters from the Blarney Castle and next door the famed Blarney Woolen Mills Store, this large-ish hotel is stylish and cozy and has recently undergone a makeover. There’s a bar, restaurant and fitness center on-site. Rooms here average around €127 per night.

Blarney Castle Hotel – This is the closest hotel to the Blarney Castle and the rooms here are located above the well-rated restaurant. The rooms are quiet, cozy and the decor of the rest of the hotel is very ‘Irish’. Rooms here cost around €150 per night.

Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B – This traditional-style B&B offers surprisingly spacious rooms above their popular bar. The Blarney Stone is just a 3-minute walk away. Expect to pay around €120 for a room here.

Thanks for Reading!

**Also, let me know what you thought about my photos and stories of walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens in the comment section below.

You may also enjoy reading my other Ireland content, such as –

Best Free Things to do in Cork County

15 Best Free Things to do in Cork City

The best beaches you must visit in West Cork

Unique things to do in West Cork

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