Blarney Castle & Gardens

Rail and bus tours that showcase the best of the Irish western and southern coasts—including the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, and the Burren—often include a stop at Blarney Castle. Find an itinerary to suit your interests, and choose one with a tour guide to learn about the history of the castle and the stone. Make the most of your time with combination tours to other sites such as the Rock of Cashel, the Celtic Cathedral, the Hall of Vicars, the Galtee Mountains, and County Kildare.

• Come prepared with layers for Ireland's famously unpredictable weather.

• Prepare to wait in line if you’d like to kiss the stone.

• Stone kissing is best suited for those who are able-bodied, as the line winds up steep staircases to the castle’s top.

Only 6 miles (10 kilometers) northwest of the city of Cork, Blarney Castle is easy to reach on a simple afternoon trip from the city. The castle can also be visited as a stop on a trip from Dublin to Cork, or vice versa; Blarney is 385 miles (620 kilometers) from Dublin.

The castle is open daily from morning to sunset; as with most popular attractions, it’s best to get there early to beat the crowds. While it's chilly, Christmastime is lovely at the castle, which is sumptuously decorated for the season.

A Cork day trip often includes time in the city as well as a visit to Blarney Castle. Stroll down St. Patrick Street and stop for lunch at the English Market, which hosted a visit from Queen Elizabeth II of England in 2011, or do some tax-free souvenir shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. The Irish countryside throughout County Cork is picturesque and makes for a lovely drive.

Ireland’s Blarney Castle and Gardens are open daily for visitors as it’s a popular attraction in Cork County. It’s open from 9am until 4pm every day, but it’s essential to check before your visit to ensure it’s not closed for any reason.

Yes, many travelers visit Blarney Castle to either explore the castle or kiss the Blarney Stone, but the botanic gardens at the grounds are lovely and worth carving some time out for. There are around 60 acres (24 hectares) of garden space with different paths to explore.

If you haven’t booked a tour that includes your entry and you’re paying onsite, you can expect to pay €20 for an admission ticket to Blarney Castle. However, remember that students, seniors, children, and families get discounted prices. You can also purchase an audio guide if you aren’t part of a tour.

Yes and no—no guided tours are available at Blarney Castle to book the day of your visit, except for an audio tour. However, many tour operators offer guided tours and experiences of the castle and its grounds and gardens. You can also choose to kiss the Blarney Stone while you’re there.

Yes, Blarney Castle is home to the mystical Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is built into the castle and has a legend behind it: if you kiss the stone, you will surely be granted the gift of eloquence. Although this is a fun tradition, it does cost more.

Yes, free parking is available at Blarney Castle and Gardens. It’s easy to park at the castle, and if you’re driving from Cork, the drive is smooth, taking a little more than 20 minutes.