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Castle · Cork, Cork
Blarney Castle
A tower house built in 1446 by the MacCarthy family, 8 km from Cork, where visitors kiss the Pedra de Blarney while lying on their backs on the battlements, surrounded by 24 hectares of gardens.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Desmond, in the village of Blarney, about 8 km northwest of Cork. It is a stone tower house roughly 27 metres high, with thick walls and battlements at the top, now partially ruined and roofless on some floors. The castle and estate belong to the Colthurst family, who live in Blarney House beside the grounds.
The visit climbs the narrow spiral staircase, passing the great hall, the chapel and the rooms, up to the top of the tower. There sits the Pedra de Blarney, a block of limestone set into the wall below the battlements. Tradition says that whoever kisses it gains the gift of eloquence, in English "the gift of the gab". To kiss it you must lie back, hold the iron bars and tilt your head back, assisted by a staff member.
The origin of the legend has several versions. The best-known links the stone to Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have been annoyed by the evasive, flattering answers of the lord of Blarney, calling it all "blarney" — a word that came to mean flattering talk in English.
The gardens cover about 24 hectares, with the Rock Close, a rock garden with ancient trees tied to druid legends, the Poison Garden with labelled poisonous plants, paths through the wood and along the lake shore, and waterfalls. The queue to climb to the stone is usually long at midday in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the castle, the stone and the gardens.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, to avoid the queue for the stone. In summer, between 11:00 and 15:00 the wait can exceed an hour. In spring the gardens are in bloom.
How to get there
It is located in the village of Blarney, about 8 km northwest of central Cork. Regular buses run from Cork city centre and take about 25 minutes. By car follow the N20 and the signs for Blarney; there is parking at the entrance.
Tip
Go up to the castle first thing when you arrive and leave the gardens for later. The staircase is narrow and steep, and those who don't want to kiss the stone can just enjoy the view from the top.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Blarney Castle
How do you kiss the Pedra de Blarney?
At the top of the tower, lying on your back, holding the iron bars and tilting your head backwards, with the help of a staff member.
Do I have to kiss the stone?
No. Those who don't want to can go up just for the view and enjoy the gardens. The line is for those who will kiss the stone.
How long is the queue?
It depends on the day. In summer, around midday, it can exceed an hour. At opening in the morning it's usually much shorter.
Is the castle accessible?
The ascent is via a narrow, steep spiral staircase with no lift. The gardens have easier paths.