Training Example: Blarney Castle and Gardens – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Welcome toBlarney Castle

Stone
Castle
Gardens

[IMG: blarney_castle]

[H2] Welcome to Blarney Castle, the home of the Blarney Stone
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be…

[H3] Our History
Ours is a beguiling history that stretches back across the generations. Find out more about the Castle, who built it, and some of its more colourful inhabitants.
read more

[H2] Plan Your Visit

[IMG: calender]

[IMG: calender]

Opening Times
Castle & Gardens Open All Year Round!

[IMG: ticket]

[IMG: ticket]

Tickets & Prices
Buy in advance online.

[IMG: gps]

[IMG: gps]

Getting Here
Our locations is easy to spot from most parts of the city

[H2] Opening Times
Explore the entire gardens, mystical rock close, dungeons, caves, lake walk & much more!

Jan/Feb/Mar
9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Apr
9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep
9.00am to 6.00pm (Last Admission 5.00pm)

Oct
9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

Nov/Dec
9.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Dec 24th & Dec 25th
Closed

Dec 26th & Jan 1st
10.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

[H2] Book your Tickets!
Buy tickets in advance online or at our ticket office on arrival. We do not have timed slots.

Adult Admission
€24

Student/Seniors (65 years and over)
€19

Children (6-16 years / 5 & under free) (Must be accompanied by an Adult)
€12

Family (2 adults + 2 children)
€65

[IMG: Ticket Icon]
Book Tickets

[H2] Directions & Travel Information
Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the South of Ireland. See the map below for more details.
[H3] Directions from Cork Airport
From Airport follow signs for City Centre
From City Centre follow signs for Limerick (N20)
Travel for 7 km; exit left (signposted Blarney)
Arrive at Blarney
[H4] Directions from Shannon
By Car: Follow the road to Limerick. Then follow signs for Mallow and take the turn off before Cork City to Blarney.
By Bus: There is a direct bus from Shannon Airport to Cork City, check out www.buseireann.ie for information on bus timetables.
There are no direct routes via train from Shannon to Cork.
[H4] Directions from Dublin
By Car: It takes 3-4 hours to get from Dublin to Cork. Take the N8 motorway and follow the signs south for Cork, then on to Blarney.
Public Transport: Trains leave for Cork on a regular basis. Check www.irishrail.ie for further information on timetables. Or phone Kent Train Station, Cork; Telephone + 353 21 456 766 www.buseireann.ie for bus timetables Aircoach: a bus leaves Dublin airport eight times a day directly for Cork, it is the cheapest way but can take anywhere from 5-7 hours depending on traffic. See www.aircoach.ie for more information.

[H2] Our Most Popular Places
There are those who think that you come to Blarney Castle only to see the stone. But most leave knowing that the Blarney Stone is only a part of our attraction. Scroll down and have a look at the other interesting things to see and do while you are with us!

Stone
Castle
Gardens

[H3] The Stone of Eloquence
For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence…
Read More

[H3] The Kitchen
The room above the ‘Priest’s Room’, perhaps once the finest bedroom, was converted in the 16th century into the kitchen.… Read More

[H3] Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room
A flight of steps leads down from the parapet to the serving area outside the kitchen, with a view down… Read More

[H3] The Dungeon
Below the lookout tower on the way up to the Castle are a dog kennel and sentry box guarding the… Read More

[H3] Walls and Bawn
Blarney Castle would have been surrounded by a defensive wall, which enclosed an area of about 8 acres called the… Read More

[H3] Great Trees
The gardens at Blarney Castle contain an exceptional collection of specimen trees, some the largest of their kind in Ireland.… Read More

[H3] Herbaceous Border
A 100-metre-long double herbaceous border, topped off with an 80m rose pergola is certainly a sight to behold. A display… Read More

[H3] Poison Garden
This garden was created with the purpose of educating visitors about the poisonous plants that can be found both in… Read More

[H3] The Seven Sisters
The Blarney Stone is not the only stone with legends attached to it. Just northeast of the Castle can be… Read More

[H2] See What Customers Are Saying About Blarney Castle

[IMG: See What Customers Are Saying About Blarney Castle]

This place was stunning. There is SO much more to Blarney Castle than the stone. You can easily spend an entire day here exploring the grounds. The druid caves are mystical, the gardens are gorgeous, the castle itself is huge and wild. I wasn’t going to go to Blarney, because I thought the stone was a very touristy thing to do. But I went, and I am 1000% glad that I did.

[H3] Juli Harland

The castle and the grounds are wonderful to experience. There is so much more to this than ‘kissing the Blarney stone’. Beautiful flowers, statues, woods, and rock formations. Can easily take 3 – 4 hours to see it all.

[H3] Kat W

Come for the stone, stay for the gardens! No but seriously, the gardens are the main attraction. You could easily spend half a day exploring them. One of the most impressive botanical gardens we’ve ever visited.

[H3] Karolina J

A most awesome way to spend at least 3 hours with enough to fill 6.
So many things to see and do in the gardens and woodland. The bee keeping, the Rock Close, the Fern Garden is amazing. So many people think this is just the Blarney Stone. The “bee line” up and down miss all the little side rooms, hidden staircases and room within a room. Especially the kids room off the main kitchen. Of course the Blarney stone. Staying at the Blarney Castle Hotel makes this visit so easy. Breakfast and into the grounds early, stay late.
No line for the experience kissing the Stone.

[H3] Peter Watson

This is a real paradise if you love nature. Huge variety of trees, bushes and flowers. Large area containing a lake. There are horses and donkeys. I really enjoyed spending time in this incredibly beautiful park. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, bedding. This is an unforgettable vacation for at least 4 hours, where you can completely relax from all worries and fuss.

[H3] Olga Zagorulko

Spectacular – cannot begin to explain the wonder and awe of this place. From the castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens to being able to kiss the blarney stone. Definitely one for the bucket list.

[H3] Warren Kent

Beautiful gardens and castle. It was amazing walking through the gardens, so peaceful and quite with such a variation of views ( from the fern forest to the lake to the pinetum). The Castle itself and the surrounding history are very interesting and the views are spectacular from the castle.
Perfect place to go yourself, with your significant other or family. I would definitely recommend this place.
Revisited the gardens and castle and still love it, there’s just so much to explore.

[H3] Liam Ó

[H2] Welcome to Autism Friendly Blarney

Blarney Castle is proud to support Autism Friendly Blarney, a community initiative working to make Blarney a welcoming village for everyone. Download our visual guide to help plan your visit.

Download the Visual Guide
[H3] Have a Question?
Email: [email protected] for more information

[IMG: Blarney Image]

[H2] Welcome To Blarney Castle Shop
Here you will find something for everyone – each item handpicked with the charm, quality and quirkiness you’d expect from Blarney Castle. From exclusive gifts for him and her, through to garments, paintings, souvenirs and mementos.
Shop now

[H2] News & Events

[IMG: Decembers End and a New Beginning]
5January
[H3] Decembers End and a New Beginning
December was a busy month both at work and at home with the usual pressure to try and have everything ready for Christmas. I do like January though, when things…Read More
[IMG: No Rest in November]
1December
[H3] No Rest in November
I always find that November catches me out. It goes by way too fast and suddenly I’m looking at advent calendars and Christmas trees and wondering where it went. We…Read More
[IMG: An Enchanting Autumn Show]
6November
[H3] An Enchanting Autumn Show
October brought autumns rich tapestry, as the trees in our arboretums gradually change into their autumn finery, before finally shedding their coats. It is a particularly good year for colour,…Read More
[IMG: Autumn’s Arrival]
2October
[H3] Autumn’s Arrival
It always seems that September is gone before I ever really get chance to notice it. It’s a real month of changes, and we are always extremely busy. Before you…Read More
[IMG: August Brings a Bumper Harvest]
3September
[H3] August Brings a Bumper Harvest
August was another extremely busy month for us here in the gardens, and with the continued dry weather, it’s been a challenge to keep up. It feels like things are…Read More
[IMG: A Dry July]
7August
[H3] A Dry July
July has been extremely busy, and I am delighted to see so many visitors exploring the full extent of the grounds and gardens. There is so much to see, and…Read More
[IMG: June is Heaven Scent]
2July
[H3] June is Heaven Scent
June is always a touch chaotic in the gardens, as we juggle jobs and attempt to catch up with the growth of the weeds in between the regular maintenance jobs.…Read More
[IMG: Maybe a bit too dry?]
3June
[H3] Maybe a bit too dry?
May was a very dry month here in the gardens and we spent a great deal of time watering. As a result of that, we have seen a bloom in…Read More
[IMG: A Stunning end to April]
28April
[H3] A Stunning end to April
The grounds and gardens are absolutely beautiful right now. There is something amazing around every corner, with drifts of blue Camassia in the meadows below the castle, a multitude of…Read More
[IMG: March up the Cherry Walk]
3April
[H3] March up the Cherry Walk
We are finally getting some real spring weather and it is very exciting to see the gardens bursting into life again. I would say that we are around two weeks…Read More
[IMG: February Flew!]
6March
[H3] February Flew!
February flew by as usual. It’s always a busy month as we try to prepare for the coming tourist season, and this year was no exception. The very wet weather…Read More
[IMG: A Stormy January]
5February
[H3] A Stormy January
January was an extremely busy month, and unfortunately not all for good reasons. Winter storms have been particularly bad this year, and we are still continuing the clean-up from storm…Read More
[IMG: A mildly confusing December]
2January
[H3] A mildly confusing December
It’s been a very mild winter so far, and as we exit December and move into a new year, I’m seeing some very confused plants. Our early daffodil avenue is…Read More
[IMG: New Trees in November]
4December
[H3] New Trees in November
November has been a real mixed month weather wise. I’m sure the plants don’t know if they’re coming or going with the ups and downs in temperature. There were a…Read More
[IMG: Autumns Rich Tapestry]
4November
[H3] Autumns Rich Tapestry
We are experiencing a wonderful autumn here in the gardens. The colours this year are simply breathtaking, with buttery yellows, burning reds, and coppery tones of orange creating a blazing…Read More
[IMG: All Change in September]
3October
[H3] All Change in September
As we exit September and head into October, we can see the real change in the season. The nights are drawing in and there is a distinct chill in the…Read More
[IMG: Art and Apples]
3September
[H3] Art and Apples
August was extremely busy here in the gardens, both with visitor numbers and with work. I feel like this summer has flown by in a blur, but it’s been great…Read More
[IMG: Through the Artist’s Eye]
21August
[H3] Through the Artist’s Eye
Aug 28th - Sept 29th Blarney Castle & Gardens are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the ‘Through the Artist’s eye’ exhibition which will take place from the…Read More
[IMG: A Refreshing Review]
16August
[H3] A Refreshing Review
The gardens are looking great at the moment, with colour around every corner, and so many things to discover. There are certain areas of the gardens that deserve a special…Read More
[IMG: Getting Wild in June]
4July
[H3] Getting Wild in June
I think to say that June was a busy month here in the gardens would be a bit of an understatement! We have been spread thinly across the gardens as…Read More
[IMG: May it finally be Summer?]
31May
[H3] May it finally be Summer?
The gardens are looking stunning right now, and special mention goes to the Laburnum arch in the Poison Garden, and the rose pergola on our Herbaceous border, which are both…Read More
[IMG: April Showers Over?]
7May
[H3] April Showers Over?
Having started April with a continuation of the extremely wet weather that has plagued us throughout the year so far, it would seem that things are finally starting to improve,…Read More
[IMG: A Muddy March]
4April
[H3] A Muddy March
March has been a challenging month due to the constant rain. We usually have our construction and landscaping projects completed by now, but the ground conditions have held everything up.…Read More
[IMG: February Fun]
4March
[H3] February Fun
February has been an extremely busy month for us here in the gardens. There has been a sudden explosion of colour, as spring bulbs and spring flowering trees and shrubs…Read More
[IMG: Not Enough Days in January]
29January
[H3] Not Enough Days in January
January has flown by, and I can’t believe that I’m already writing this. We are extremely busy in the grounds and gardens as we prepare for the coming tourist season.…Read More
[IMG: December Daffodils and Christmas Delights]
3January
[H3] December Daffodils and Christmas Delights
December has passed in the usual festive blur, leaving me slightly befuddled but full of Christmas cheer, or is that pudding? and hopeful for great things in 2024. As we…Read More
[IMG: No signs of winter…yet!]
5December
[H3] No signs of winter…yet!
November has been an incre

[H1] Welcome toBlarney Gardens

Stone
Castle
Gardens

[IMG: The Gardens]

[H2] The Gardens
Between the entrance gates and the distant lake lie 60 acres of surprises, delights and mysteries waiting to be discovered. There is a network of paths that lead visitors through various gardens, arboretums, and avenues, which are a constantly changing and evolving environment throughout the seasons.

Watch Video

[H2] Explore the Garden

[IMG: Board Walk and Water Garden]
[H3] Board Walk and Water Garden
The raised board walk, surrounded by Gunnera manicata and water loving plants growing in profusion. The numerous waterfalls add a coolness and calm to this…Read More
[IMG: Carnivorous Courtyard]
[H3] Carnivorous Courtyard
Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping or consuming animals, typically insects and other arthropods but in some…Read More
[IMG: Fern Garden & Ice House]
[H3] Fern Garden & Ice House
One of our visitor’s favourite gardens is The Fern Garden. The tall Dicksonias (tree ferns) growing here, brought from the other side of the world,…Read More
[IMG: Great Trees]
[H3] Great Trees
The gardens at Blarney Castle contain an exceptional collection of specimen trees, some the largest of their kind in Ireland. Many of the rare trees,…Read More
[IMG: Herbaceous Border]
[H3] Herbaceous Border
A 100-metre-long double herbaceous border, topped off with an 80m rose pergola is certainly a sight to behold. A display of floral magnificence awaits you…Read More
[IMG: Himalayan Valley]
[H3] Himalayan Valley
A glorious spring garden, full of rhododendrons, magnolias, and other Himalayan species, that captures the spirit of the wild Himalayas. A 150-year-old giant Rhododendron arboreum…Read More
[IMG: Poison Garden]
[H3] Poison Garden
This garden was created with the purpose of educating visitors about the poisonous plants that can be found both in the wild and in our…Read More
[IMG: The Rock Close]
[H3] The Rock Close
Perhaps the most extraordinary part of the garden is its oldest, the Rock Close, the first stop on the circuit on the eastern side of…Read More
[IMG: The Seven Sisters]
[H3] The Seven Sisters
The Blarney Stone is not the only stone with legends attached to it. Just northeast of the Castle can be found a circle of nine…Read More
[IMG: Tropical Border]
[H3] Tropical Border
Banana, yuccas and cordylines provide structure in a border filled with vibrant colours, including the Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitzia reginae) and other species.Read More
[IMG: Vietnamese Woodland]
[H3] Vietnamese Woodland
The Vietnamese woodland is an ex-situ conservation project that is aimed at preserving plant species from Northern Vietnam. Many of the plants growing in the…Read More
View All Attractions

[IMG: Ask the Expert]

[H2] Ask the Expert
Adam Whitbourn, Blarney Castle’s head gardener has over 25 years experience as a professional gardener. Working in gardens of all sizes and types (as well as his own), Adam has acquired a level of knowledge and expertise second to none. He really does have green fingers!
Adam loves to share tips, answer questions and talk about all things garden related so – make him happy – post your tips or email them to [email protected] or tweet him at @Blarney_Castle

[H2] Head Gardeners Diary

[IMG: Decembers End and a New Beginning]
5January
[H3] Decembers End and a New Beginning
December was a busy month both at work and at home with the usual pressure to try and have everything…Read More
[IMG: No Rest in November]
1December
[H3] No Rest in November
I always find that November catches me out. It goes by way too fast and suddenly I’m looking at advent…Read More
[IMG: An Enchanting Autumn Show]
6November
[H3] An Enchanting Autumn Show
October brought autumns rich tapestry, as the trees in our arboretums gradually change into their autumn finery, before finally shedding…Read More
[IMG: Autumn’s Arrival]
2October
[H3] Autumn’s Arrival
It always seems that September is gone before I ever really get chance to notice it. It’s a real month…Read More
[IMG: August Brings a Bumper Harvest]
3September
[H3] August Brings a Bumper Harvest
August was another extremely busy month for us here in the gardens, and with the continued dry weather, it’s been…Read More
[IMG: A Dry July]
7August
[H3] A Dry July
July has been extremely busy, and I am delighted to see so many visitors exploring the full extent of the…Read More
[IMG: June is Heaven Scent]
2July
[H3] June is Heaven Scent
June is always a touch chaotic in the gardens, as we juggle jobs and attempt to catch up with the…Read More
[IMG: Maybe a bit too dry?]
3June
[H3] Maybe a bit too dry?
May was a very dry month here in the gardens and we spent a great deal of time watering. As…Read More
[IMG: A Stunning end to April]
28April
[H3] A Stunning end to April
The grounds and gardens are absolutely beautiful right now. There is something amazing around every corner, with drifts of blue…Read More
[IMG: March up the Cherry Walk]
3April
[H3] March up the Cherry Walk
We are finally getting some real spring weather and it is very exciting to see the gardens bursting into life…Read More
[IMG: February Flew!]
6March
[H3] February Flew!
February flew by as usual. It’s always a busy month as we try to prepare for the coming tourist season,…Read More
[IMG: A Stormy January]
5February
[H3] A Stormy January
January was an extremely busy month, and unfortunately not all for good reasons. Winter storms have been particularly bad this…Read More
[IMG: A mildly confusing December]
2January
[H3] A mildly confusing December
It’s been a very mild winter so far, and as we exit December and move into a new year, I’m…Read More
[IMG: New Trees in November]
4December
[H3] New Trees in November
November has been a real mixed month weather wise. I’m sure the plants don’t know if they’re coming or going…Read More
[IMG: Autumns Rich Tapestry]
4November
[H3] Autumns Rich Tapestry
We are experiencing a wonderful autumn here in the gardens. The colours this year are simply breathtaking, with buttery yellows,…Read More
[IMG: All Change in September]
3October
[H3] All Change in September
As we exit September and head into October, we can see the real change in the season. The nights are…Read More
[IMG: Art and Apples]
3September
[H3] Art and Apples
August was extremely busy here in the gardens, both with visitor numbers and with work. I feel like this summer…Read More
[IMG: Through the Artist’s Eye]
21August
[H3] Through the Artist’s Eye
Aug 28th - Sept 29th Blarney Castle & Gardens are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the ‘Through…Read More
[IMG: A Refreshing Review]
16August
[H3] A Refreshing Review
The gardens are looking great at the moment, with colour around every corner, and so many things to discover. There…Read More
[IMG: Getting Wild in June]
4July
[H3] Getting Wild in June
I think to say that June was a busy month here in the gardens would be a bit of an…Read More
[IMG: May it finally be Summer?]
31May
[H3] May it finally be Summer?
The gardens are looking stunning right now, and special mention goes to the Laburnum arch in the Poison Garden, and…Read More
[IMG: April Showers Over?]
7May
[H3] April Showers Over?
Having started April with a continuation of the extremely wet weather that has plagued us throughout the year so far,…Read More
[IMG: A Muddy March]
4April
[H3] A Muddy March
March has been a challenging month due to the constant rain. We usually have our construction and landscaping projects completed…Read More
[IMG: February Fun]
4March
[H3] February Fun
February has been an extremely busy month for us here in the gardens. There has been a sudden explosion of…Read More
[IMG: Not Enough Days in January]
29January
[H3] Not Enough Days in January
January has flown by, and I can’t believe that I’m already writing this. We are extremely busy in the grounds…Read More
[IMG: December Daffodils and Christmas Delights]
3January
[H3] December Daffodils and Christmas Delights
December has passed in the usual festive blur, leaving me slightly befuddled but full of Christmas cheer, or is that…Read More
[IMG: No signs of winter…yet!]
5December
[H3] No signs of winter…yet!
November has been an incredibly mild month overall, and we are still waiting for any period of prolonged frost to…Read More
[IMG: A wet October]
7November
[H3] A wet October
I am writing this in my office whilst the rain hammers against the windows. It has become a very familiar…Read More
[IMG: Saying goodbye to Summer]
2October
[H3] Saying goodbye to Summer
As September finishes, I can already see signs of autumn, with a drop in temperature, our first real storm of…Read More
[IMG: A Prehistoric arrival in August]
13September
[H3] A Prehistoric arrival in August
August has been another busy month for us, and I think we are starting to see the first signs of…Read More
[IMG: July Flies By!]
2August
[H3] July Flies By!
July has been extremely busy, and I am delighted to see so many visitors exploring the full extent of the…Read More
[IMG: Juggling Jobs in June]
5July
[H3] Juggling Jobs in June
June has flown by in a blur of watering, weeding and generally juggling jobs as we try to keep everything…Read More
[IMG: Lovely Laburnum]
2June
[H3] Lovely Laburnum
I think May saw the garden shake off it’s spring coat and move firmly into summer dress mode! The growth…Read More
[IMG: A Floral Extravaganza as April Ends]
28April
[H3] A Floral Extravaganza as April Ends
The gardens are looking truly fabulous right now. Every turn reveals another beautiful vista, be it drifts of tulips by…Read More
[IMG: The March of the Cherries]
31March
[H3] The March of the Cherries
The colour in the gardens is amazing at the moment, with magnolias, cherries, rhododendron and various spring bulbs all competing…Read More
[IMG: Moving into March and Magnolias]
1March
[H3] Moving into March and Magnolias
As we move into March, we can see that spring has arrived here in the gardens. In every corner there…Read More
[IMG: A Host of Golden Daffodils]
3February
[H3] A Host of Golden Daffodils
I think that January is often seen as a slow month, but that is certainly not so for us here…Read More
[IMG: New Year in Blarney]
5January
[H3] New Year in Blarney
December is now behind us and as we enter 2023, I find myself looking forward to what I hope will…Read More
[IMG: November Not So Nippy]
2December
[H3] November Not So Nippy
The Autumn colour around the gardens is magnificent right now, and well worth a trip in to see. I love…Read More
[IMG: Autumns Glorious Colours]
2November
[H3] Autumns Glorious Colours
October saw the start of autumn and the first hints of colour through the trees in the arboretums. The reds…Read More
[IMG: All Change for Autumn]
30September
[H3] All Change for Autumn
September simply flew by, and autumn is on its way. I can see the colours starting to change in the…Read More
[IMG: Sculptures and Jellyfish]
31August
[H3] Sculptures and Jellyfish
August was a very busy and interesting month for us here in the gardens. We launched this year’s sculpture trail,…Read More
[IMG: Sculptures, Roses and Honey]
30June
[H3] Sculptures, Roses and Honey
As we exit June, I find myself feeling very positive about the coming summer season. Our overseas visitors are starting…Read More
[IMG: A Magnificent May]
1June
[H3] A Magnificent May
May brought a sudden surge in growth throughout the grounds and gardens and we are surrounded by beautiful new growth,…Read More
[IMG: A Hectic April]
29April
[H3] A Hectic April
April has seen an absolute riot of colour in the gardens and the show is only just beginning! The colours…Read More
[IMG: March into Spring]
30March
[H3] March into Spring
I’m going to start by saying, if you haven’t visited Blarney Castle Gardens then you are truly missing out. The…Read More
[IMG: A Floriferous February]
28February
[H3] A Floriferous February
February has brought the promise of spring, and there are signs of it all through the gardens. Pockets of multicoloured…Read More

[H2] Garden Walking Trails

[IMG: Garden Walking Trails]

Woodland WalkThe peaceful woodland walk is a quiet secluded area that leads to a circuit of the 21-acre Blarney Lake. Throughout the walk, you may hear the rustling from the red Squirrels and Jays that call the woodlands home.
Lake WalkOur 22 acre lake provides one of the most beautiful walks that is on offer on the estate! Taking about 45 mins to complete, this walk provides several opportunities to stop and admire the beauty of the lake but also the many waterfowl that call it home. On the lake be sure to look out for the resident family of swans.
Riverside WalkThis walk which runs west from the entrance to the Badgers Cave, follows the river Martin to the far end of our estate. Covered in a dense canopy, this walk accompanied by the sound of flowing river offers the chance of seeing the otters and kingfishers that call our estate home.

[IMG: Swans2]

[IMG: wildlife_img1]

[IMG: squirrel_pic]

[IMG: Buzzard 4]

[H2] Conservation, Biodiversity and Wildlife
The estate boasts an impressive range of native wildlife. Blarney Castle & Gardens are the first estate in Ireland to be awarded the prestigious title of ‘Wildlife Estate’ from the European Landowners’ Organisation.
The native woodlands, rivers and lake within the inner estate and also in the separate pockets of ground around the village area, provide support for many increasingly rare species including otters, red squirrels, badgers, barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers, river lampreys, trout and salmon.
Thanks to Frank Brady for the wonderful photos!

[IMG: Alison Rosse The Fernery]

[IMG: Lesley Fennell Two Rhododendrons and Gunnera]

[IMG: Philip Turner Blarney Tower]

[IMG: Poppy Hunt Profusion]

[IMG: Bernard van Giessen What if II]

[H2] Through the Artist's Eye 2024
The ‘Through the Artist’s Eye’ series of exhibitions originated in 2013 when Séamus O’Brien, Head Gardener at the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, invited six artists to generate a collection of work that could be referred to in the future, providing an artistic record of the garden at that time. The artists worked in the gardens over two years and in 2015 an exhibition was held at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.
From that positive beginning, the idea developed into a moving exhibition, taking place in different notable gardens on the island of Ireland. In the succeeding years, Tourin House and Gardens, Co. Waterford, Burtown House Gardens, Co. Kildare, and Birr Castle Demesne, Co. Offaly have all been seen ‘Through the Artist’s Eye’. This year, the exhibition comes to Blarney Castle Gardens, and botanical artists, fine artists, sculptors and photographers (22 artists in all) have been working in the gardens since early 2023. The resulting exhibition will

Home Blarney Castle

[IMG: The Castle]

[H1] The Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a tower house, a type of fortification built by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish between the 15th and 17th centuries. Tower houses are typically four or five storeys tall with one or two main chambers, plus several ancillary chambers on each floor.
Blarney Castle is an unusually large tower house, and it comprises at least two towers – the second one was added in the 1500s. You can see the point the two phases meet as a vertical line in the masonry on the north elevation.
The walls are 18 feet thick at the base, gradually sloping inwards as they rise. This makes the building more stable but would also have helped with defence: when an object was dropped from the top it would bounce off the wall on the way down and fly outwards into the enemy.

Watch VideoWatch accessible video

[H2] History of the Castle

[IMG: Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster]

[H3] Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster
The lower walls are fifteen feet, built with an angle tower by the McCarthys of Muskerry. It was subsequently occupied at one time by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, who is said to have supplied four thousand men from Munster to supplement the forces of Robert the Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Legend has it that the latter king gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy in gratitude. This, now known as the Blarney Stone, was incorporated in the battlements where it can now be kissed.

[IMG: Cromwell]

[H3] Cromwell's General, Lord Broghill
The castle was eventually invested by Cromwell’s General, Lord Broghill, who, planting a gun on Card Hill opposite and above the lake below the present mansion or new castle, succeeded in breaking the tower walls. However, when his men entered the keep, he found two old retainers, the main garrison had fled by the underground caves situated below the battlements known as the Badgers Caves. There are three passages, one to Cork, one to the lake and one seemingly to Kerry. At any rate, all had gone together with the reputed gold plate.

[IMG: Sold to Sir James St. John Jefferyes in 1688]

[H3] Sold to Sir James St. John Jefferyes in 1688
A subsequent owner of the estate endeavoured to drain the lake at the bottom of which the plate was supposed to have been thrown. A fortune was spent in vain. The estate was forfeited by Donogh McCarthy, 4th Earl of Clancarthy, who supported James II in the Williamite Wars, the property passed to the Hollow Sword Blade Company who subsequently sold it to Sir James St. John Jefferyes, Governor of Cork in 1688.

[IMG: Building of Blarney House]

[H3] Building of Blarney House
Built in 1874 to welcome the return of the family after an absence of 54 years, Blarney House may surprise by being in the Scots baronial style, which is rare in the southern half of Ireland. Its architect was John Lanyon from Belfast.
Typical of High Victorian buildings, Blarney House incorporates elements of several other styles. Its porch is neoclassical and comes from the Colthurst’s house at Ardrum, a neighbouring estate. Above this the first-floor window is embellished with Jacobean strapwork, whilst the skyline is pure Scots baronial with stepped gables and a turret. The skyline is wonderfully lively, with conical roofs to the towers surmounted by decorative finials, and tall chimneys galore.

[H2] Explore Blarney Castle

[IMG: Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room]
[H3] Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room
A flight of steps leads down from the parapet to the serving area outside the kitchen, with a view down to the room called the…Read More
[IMG: Entering the Castle]
[H3] Entering the Castle
If we managed to break down the door, with its awkward yet, we would find ourselves in a confined space with a door in each…Read More
[IMG: The Dungeon]
[H3] The Dungeon
Below the lookout tower on the way up to the Castle are a dog kennel and sentry box guarding the entrance. A third opening in…Read More
[IMG: The Great Hall]
[H3] The Great Hall
From the guards’ quarters a wooden staircase leads up into a vaulted chamber with a fine 17th- century fireplace. This is known as the ‘Great…Read More
[IMG: The Kitchen]
[H3] The Kitchen
The room above the ‘Priest’s Room’, perhaps once the finest bedroom, was converted in the 16th century into the kitchen. Here it was next to…Read More
[IMG: Walls and Bawn]
[H3] Walls and Bawn
Blarney Castle would have been surrounded by a defensive wall, which enclosed an area of about 8 acres called the ‘Bawn’. This sheltered both livestock…Read More
[IMG: Young Ladies Bedroom – Priests Room]
[H3] Young Ladies Bedroom – Priests Room
The spiral staircase of the older tower leads up to the ‘Young Ladies’ Bedroom’, with the ‘Priest’s Room’ above it – the floor between them…Read More
View All Attractions

[H2] Blarney House

[IMG: Blarney House]

Built in 1874 to welcome the return of the family after an absence of 54 years, Blarney House may surprise by being in the Scots baronial style, which is rare in the southern half of Ireland. Its architect was John Lanyon from Belfast. Typical of High Victorian buildings, Blarney House incorporates elements of several other styles. Its porch is neoclassical and comes from the Colthurst’s house at Ardrum, a neighbouring estate.
Above this the first-floor window is embellished with Jacobean strapwork, whilst the skyline is pure Scots baronial with stepped gables and a turret. The skyline is wonderfully lively, with conical roofs to the towers surmounted by decorative finials, and tall chimneys galore.
The visitor entering the lofty hall is confronted by a step, wide flight of stone steps, which have an almost medieval feel of defence.
Double doors at the top open to the staircase hall, which is domestic in feel and welcoming. The imposing Jacobean-style staircase is lit from above, and hung with portraits of Jefferyes and Colthurst family members and associates.
The uses of some of the rooms have changed over the years. For example, the present library used to be the dining room, when staff prepared meals in the basement. In the corner turret, diagonally opposite the door from the hall, is the lift which was used for bringing food from the basement.

Home Blarney Stone

[IMG: Blarney Stone History]

[H1] Blarney Stone History
‘There is a stone there, that whoever kisses, OH! He never misses, to grow eloquent’.
The term ‘blarney’, meaning beguiling but misleading talk, gained currency during the 16th century as the MacCarthy of the day attempted to fend off the demands of Queen Elizabeth I.
Legends about the Stone’s origin emerged, each as plausible as the next. It was said to have been the stone used by Jacob as a pillow when he dreamed of the ladder extending up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it, and that it was brought from the Holy Land after the Crusades.
Another legend is that it was given to the MacCarthy Chieftain by Robert Bruce in thanks for support that he offered by sending 5,000-foot soldiers to Scotland to help him against Edward II, and that it was part of the Stone of Scone, on which the Kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
A further legend tells us that Cormac McTaidhg Láidir MacCarthy, rescued an old woman from drowning in a river. She turned out to be a witch. In gratitude she told him of a certain stone already in the castle that had magic properties and that he could benefit by kissing it.
However, the most elaborate and romantic legend concerns the Queen of the Fairies in south Munster, who was the beautiful daughter of a leading druid. She fell in love with a gallant young chieftain who broke her heart by not returning her love. He was killed in battle, and she found his body on a stone on the banks of the river lee. His blood had soaked into the stone. There she grieved, her tears joining his blood in the stone which she continually kissed. This caused her magical powers to be absorbed by the stone itself. Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, being troubled by some intransigent problem, was advised by the Queen of the Fairies that this stone, on which she had wept, had been built into his castle and that if he kissed it his difficulties would be resolved.
Whatever its origins, the powers of the Blarney Stone – The Stone of Eloquence – are unquestioned.

read full history Watch Video

Home Plan Your Visit

[IMG: Plan Visit]

[H1] Castle & Gardens Open All Year Round!
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words.
Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the South of Ireland. See the map below for more details.

[IMG: calender]

[IMG: calender]

Opening Times
Castle & Gardens Open All Year Round!

[IMG: ticket]

[IMG: ticket]

Tickets & Prices
Buy in advance online.

[IMG: gps]

[IMG: gps]

Getting Here
Our locations is easy to spot from most parts of the city

[H2] Opening Times
Explore the entire gardens, mystical rock close, dungeons, caves, lake walk & much more!

Jan/Feb/Mar
9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Apr
9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep
9.00am to 6.00pm (Last Admission 5.00pm)

Oct
9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

Nov/Dec
9.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Dec 24th & Dec 25th
Closed

Dec 26th & Jan 1st
10.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

[H2] Book your Tickets!
Buy tickets in advance online or at our ticket office on arrival. We do not have timed slots.

Adult Admission
€24

Student/Seniors (65 years and over)
€19

Children (6-16 years / 5 & under free) (Must be accompanied by an Adult)
€12

Family (2 adults + 2 children)
€65

[IMG: Ticket Icon]
Book Tickets

[H2] Directions & Travel Information
Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the South of Ireland. See the map below for more details.
[H3] Directions from Cork Airport
From Airport follow signs for City Centre
From City Centre follow signs for Limerick (N20)
Travel for 7 km; exit left (signposted Blarney)
Arrive at Blarney
[H4] Directions from Shannon
By Car: Follow the road to Limerick. Then follow signs for Mallow and take the turn off before Cork City to Blarney.
By Bus: There is a direct bus from Shannon Airport to Cork City, check out www.buseireann.ie for information on bus timetables.
There are no direct routes via train from Shannon to Cork.
[H4] Directions from Dublin
By Car: It takes 3-4 hours to get from Dublin to Cork. Take the N8 motorway and follow the signs south for Cork, then on to Blarney.
Public Transport: Trains leave for Cork on a regular basis. Check www.irishrail.ie for further information on timetables. Or phone Kent Train Station, Cork; Telephone + 353 21 456 766 www.buseireann.ie for bus timetables Aircoach: a bus leaves Dublin airport eight times a day directly for Cork, it is the cheapest way but can take anywhere from 5-7 hours depending on traffic. See www.aircoach.ie for more information.

[H2] Map and Virtual Tour
read more

[IMG: Map and Virtual Tour]

[H2] Historical Attractions in Ireland

[IMG: Blarney Castle, County Cork]
[H3] Blarney Castle, County Cork
In our humble opinion, any trip to Ireland must include a visit to Blarney Castle. Steeped in history, myth and mystery, Blarney Castle is a…...Read More
[IMG: Brú na Bóinne County Meath]
[H3] Brú na Bóinne County Meath
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne contains over 90 Neolithic monuments dotted across the River Boyne Valley, including Ireland’s most famous Neolithic site…...Read More
[IMG: Glendalough Monastery, County Wicklow]
[H3] Glendalough Monastery, County Wicklow
Glendalough monastery is situated within Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest national park in Ireland, covering over 129,500 square kilometers. The park is well worth…...Read More
[IMG: Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary]
[H3] Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel, also known as St Patrick’s Rock and The Cashel of the Kings, is one of Ireland’s most visited historical attractions. The…...Read More
[IMG: Trinity College, Dublin City]
[H3] Trinity College, Dublin City
Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. Some of Ireland’s finest minds received their education at Trinity, including Jonathan…...Read More

View All Attractions

[IMG: 10 experiences not to miss in Cork]

[H2] 10 experiences not to miss in Cork...
Although we’re known as the Republic of Ireland’s second city, people around here often refer to Cork as ‘the real capital’. If you’re looking for the perfect place to explore all of the best things Ireland has to offer, look no further than Cork.
read more

[H2] Need To Know More?
If you have a question or comment that is not listed below, feel free to email
[email protected] for more information.

Q. Do you have to buy tickets online?
A. No, tickets can be bought online or on arrival at our ticket office

Q. Do you have timed slots?
A. No, we do not have timed slots. You can visit any time during our opening hours.

Q. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes we accept Visa and Mastercard.

Q. How long does it take to visit the Castle & Gardens?
A. We would recommend 3 hours to visit both the Castle & Gardens.

Q. Do you have guide maps available?
A. Maps are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Please ask our staff if you require a map other than English.

Q. Do you have a cafe on site?
A. Yes, we have a cafe, (no.12 on your map) and a coffee hut just inside this entrance.

Q. Are the Castle & Gardens wheelchair accessible?
A. The Castle is not accessible but a portion of the grounds/gardens are. If you have a disability, please alert our staff as there is no charge for entry.

Q. Is a student/college I.D. required?
A. Yes to purchase a student ticket.

Q. What age qualifies for a child ticket?
A. Anyone aged 6-16

Q. Can Children kiss the stone?
A. Yes, but kids under the age of 8 are up to the discretion of the staff member.

Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. No. Dogs are not allowed in the Castle & Gardens except for guide dogs/assistance dogs.

Q. Are bicycles allowed?
A. No, bicycles, scooters, roller blades or any ball games are not allowed within the park.

Q. Can you fly drones?
A. No. As a private estate this is not allowed.

Q. Are tickets refundable?
A. No, we offer a change of date only.

Q. Do you have a car park on site?
A. Yes, its is a €2 flat fee for the duration of your visit. Our car park closes at our designated closing time. Any cars released after this will incur a €50 penalty. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING!

Q. How much time do we need to visit the Castle & Gardens?
A. To visit the Castle & 100 acres of gardens we would recommend at least 3 hours!

Home Explore Blarney Castle

[IMG: The Blarney Castle]

[H1] Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a tower house, a type of fortification built by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish between the 15th and 17th centuries. Tower houses are typically four or five storeys tall with one or two main chambers, plus several ancillary chambers on each floor.
Blarney Castle is an unusually large tower house, and it comprises at least two towers – the second one was added in the 1500s. You can see the point the two phases meet as a vertical line in the masonry on the north elevation.
The walls are 18 feet thick at the base, gradually sloping inwards as they rise. This makes the building more stable but would also have helped with defence: when an object was dropped from the top it would bounce off the wall on the way down and fly outwards into the enemy.

[H2] Explore Blarney Castle

Attraction
Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room
Entering the Castle
The Dungeon
The Great Hall
The Kitchen
Walls and Bawn
Young Ladies Bedroom – Priests Room

[H3] Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room
[IMG: Chapel, Banqueting Hall & Family Room]
A flight of steps leads down from the parapet to the serving area outside the kitchen, with a view down to the room called the ‘Chapel and the ‘Banqueting Hall’ beneath it. When the Castle was first built, it is likely that what is now the ‘Chapel’ was in fact originally the Banqueting Hall: it is the largest of the principal rooms, occupying the whole floor at this level, and has the finest architectural treatment, with pointed arches on three walls. This was where the household gathered for Mass said in Latin.

The Banqueting Hall was the heart of the social life of the Castle: feasting was a way of life, combining dinner with a whole night’s entertainment.

The family room focal point is the fireplace on the north wall which is enormous and flanked by cut stone tablets and a mantle shelf running the full width of the room. On the south wall opposite is a rare fragment of early 17th-century plasterwork, the remains of a frieze that would once have decorated the walls of this room.

[H3] Entering the Castle
[IMG: Entering the Castle]
If we managed to break down the door, with its awkward yet, we would find ourselves in a confined space with a door in each wall and a ‘murder hole’ in the ceiling, through which deadly missiles or boiling liquid could be dropped on our heads.

[H3] The Dungeon
[IMG: The Dungeon]
Below the lookout tower on the way up to the Castle are a dog kennel and sentry box guarding the entrance. A third opening in the rock leads to the dungeon – though we do not know whether prisoners were kept here. What is certain is that this contained the Castle well, which had to be protected but kept accessible even if the tower was under siege. This is also the entrance to a labyrinth of hidden underground passages and chambers, now inaccessible to even the most intrepid explorer…

[H3] The Great Hall
[IMG: The Great Hall]
From the guards’ quarters a wooden staircase leads up into a vaulted chamber with a fine 17th- century fireplace. This is known as the ‘Great Hall’, the nerve-centre of Castle life, where guests were received and entertained.

[H3] The Kitchen
[IMG: The Kitchen]
The room above the ‘Priest’s Room’, perhaps once the finest bedroom, was converted in the 16th century into the kitchen. Here it was next to the original Banqueting Hall – and its position high on the top floor reduced the risk of fire and meant that there was a ready supply of boiling oil to pour from the parapet onto unwelcome guests.

[H3] Walls and Bawn
[IMG: Walls and Bawn]
Blarney Castle would have been surrounded by a defensive wall, which enclosed an area of about 8 acres called the ‘Bawn’. This sheltered both livestock and people in times of danger but was also a hive of activity. Here were to be found Blacksmiths, tanners, masons, woodcutters, carpenters, butchers, cooks and all the livestock. The bawn wall is long gone today but its line is followed by the stone wall along the Poison Garden.

[H3] Young Ladies Bedroom – Priests Room
[IMG: Young Ladies Bedroom – Priests Room]
The spiral staircase of the older tower leads up to the ‘Young Ladies’ Bedroom’, with the ‘Priest’s Room’ above it – the floor between them has gone. We do know that the three young daughters of the 14th Lord of Muskerry, Cormac McTeige MacCarthy, were brought up here. Their good behaviour would be assured if the traditional definition of the room above is correct. The lack of any gun loops, the space in its west window, perhaps for a small altar, and the shape of the window, suggest its more holy status. This room may even have served as a small chapel.