Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle & Gardens
4.5
09:00 - 17:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 17:00
Sunday
09:00 - 17:00
About
Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Blarney Castle & Gardens
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
44 within 5 kms
Attractions
105 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
7,552 reviews
Excellent
4,938
Very good
1,984
Average
398
Poor
123
Terrible
109
MonkeyMania
Trenton, MI71 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Blarney Castle always mesmerizes me. The landscape, river sounds, & size of the castle are humbling. Definitely worth of visit
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne M
Helena, MT61 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
BlAbney Castle was beautiful. It is very very busy on power with Disney. My suggestion get there early otherwise you'll spend all day waiting in lines. Even though you book? Online. You? Still have. To wait? In the payment line doesn't really save you any time. Tour groups get priority. Plan plenty of time if only doing the Blarney Stone and castle you're gonna need at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours if you're going to do the castle and the gardens probably 4 to 5 hours. The grounds are ADA accessible. If exploring the castle and Blarney Stone be prepared that you have to climb a lot of circular steps. They will take your picture while kissing the Blarney Stone and you can purchase it for 10 Euro.
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex F
The Villages, FL1,399 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
More than a run down castle, are the surroundings gardens. Everything in its place, clean and orderly. The climbing onto the tower can be hairy. Narrowness passages, uneven steps can be a challenge for some.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra K D
North Wales, PA50 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The Castle and the Blarney Stone were worth the trip. Kiss the Blarney Stone if you are a contortionist 😁.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc N
Bartlesville, OK826 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Came to tour castle and kiss the Blarney Stone . Got in line next to the 60 minute wait sign and by the time we reached the stone it was almost spot on the 60 minute mark
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary B
Gold Canyon, AZ25 contributions
May 2023
Expect quite a climb to the top of castle (narrow, winding stone steps holding on to a rope) to get to the blarney stone. NOT for claustrophobic people! Be prepared to lay on your back, grab on to metal bars, slide out over an open grate, and tip your head upside down(while being held by an employee) to kiss the stone.
The castle is amazing to see as are the gardens! Each room is explained in detail including the decor of the time.
The castle is amazing to see as are the gardens! Each room is explained in detail including the decor of the time.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TexasSD
Corpus Christi, TX7 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful and well kept grounds. Lots to see and plenty of paths to walk. Nearby local shopping, cafe, and photo opportunities. Prepare to spend some time out on a sunny day.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Texas4kiddos
Austin, TX92 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Leave this for the last day because you will be blown away. It was our 3rd day in Ireland, and thought everything we did was awesome, but when we toured the castle and grounds, we were blown away! Unbelievable! It is just breathtaking!
We arrived by 9:15 am and went straight to the stone. No wait.
I would definitely visit again and spend more time walking the grounds. So peaceful with sounds of nature makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
We arrived by 9:15 am and went straight to the stone. No wait.
I would definitely visit again and spend more time walking the grounds. So peaceful with sounds of nature makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penny M
6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
While the climb was daunting to the top of the castle it was all worth it. Guides were helpful grounds were beautiful. Weather cooperated
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA2,796 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This is a well organized and highly marketed castle just outside of Cork. If you’re in the area, it is a must see. Parking is 2 Euros - why? - two seniors ran 32 Euros. Here’s the deal - get here early to avoid the onslaught of tourist buses. The grounds are beautiful, the castle itself is faithfully presented, and it’s worth a couple hours of time.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I am visiting in June and planned to visit Blarney Castle on June 5th, 2023. I was wondering if there is a specific time when we have to be there, or if we have tickets, we just show up. Also when is the best time in the day to visit?
Joseph K
14 contributions
I believe you just turn up as when suits, you may have to queue if its busy in order to kiss the stone.
Alyssia
12 contributions
Hi, is there anywhere to store luggages around the castle ? If not, are big backpacks allowed ? We don't plan on going to see the Stone, so won't be blocking the stairs.
MRS.TRAVELS.OFTEN
Tecumseh, Canada1,330 contributions
They did not have any visible storage facilities but maybe the check in counter can hold it or the gift shop. I would contact the place before going. Blarney castle is a huge place that you can spend up to 2 hrs just strolling the beautiful grounds. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the castle, approx 100 steps up a narrow stair case. u don’t have to kiss it but you should go through the castle . It was interesting to see and learn a few things about castle living and has plaques all over to tell you what room was what . Not to mention the view was beautiful from the top.
Trevor T
St. George, UT2 contributions
Is there overnight parking available near the Castle?
Twoteacherswhotravel
Minneapolis, MN240 contributions
You can’t park on the castle grounds overnight, they lick it up. Nearby, perhaps. I would ask a local and I bet they can direct you correctly.
bessyNeath
Coelbren, UK82 contributions
How far from airport please
Ciara
Tipperary, Ireland13 contributions
Approx:
Cork airport = 30 mins.
Shannon airport = 1hour 30mins
Kerry airport = 1hour 30mins
Dublin airport = 3 hours
Mossycreek1
9 contributions
How do I get my photo of kissing the Blarney Stone. I was told I would receive a digital copy.
Karl Musgrove
Burnopfield, UK136 contributions
You can try contacting the castle by email,they should have copy
We are heading there in a few weeks and wondering if the lines are long this time of year? If we arrived just before 4pm on a Friday would there most likely be a line?
Blarney C
Cork, Ireland
Hi,
there would be little to no wait time at this time of the year but I would highly recommend arriving earlier as our last admission time is 4pm and we close the whole attraction at 5pm. We recommend 2-3 hours for a visit.
Is it possible to get a student ticket via a stranger student card ?
Blarney C
Cork, Ireland
Yes, thats no problem.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Blarney Castle & Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Blarney Castle & Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 47 Blarney Castle & Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Blarney Castle & Gardens:
- Blarney Castle Tour from Cork including Cobh (From €55.82)
- Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City (From €80.18)
- Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin (From €86.28)
- Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle Half Day Shore Tour (From €59.89)
- Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Tour from Dublin (From €151.23)
- Hotels near Blarney Castle & Gardens:
- (0.46 km) Blarney Castle Hotel
- (0.50 km) Muskerry Arms Boutique Lodging
- (0.59 km) Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel
- (0.95 km) The White House Bed & Breakfast
- (1.00 km) Blarney Vale Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Blarney Castle & Gardens:
- (0.50 km) Muskerry Arms Restaurant
- (0.31 km) Lily House
- (0.43 km) Blarney Castle Hotel
- (0.51 km) EATin'IT
- (0.50 km) Lantern House
- Attractions near Blarney Castle & Gardens:
- (0.00 km) Blarney Stone
- (0.57 km) Blarney Woollen Mills
- (0.52 km) Church of Ireland Church
- (4.81 km) Zero Gravity Float Cork
- (7.44 km) Cork Ghost Tour