Blarney Castle

Go for the Blarney Castle/Stone... stay for the Gardens! This is absolutely a must-do on the things to see while visiting Ireland. In general the Blarney Castle feels like it was just going to be a major tourist trap, but once we were inside of the gardens, we realized that the 60 acres had so much more to offer. We got lucky and the weather was absolutely beautiful, with partly cloudy skies and no rain.

We started by checking out the gift shop... I actually thought I needed socks, but it ended up being really crowded on the way out, so now I would say this is a *PRO TIP* to start your visit at the gift shop.

We arrived around 11:30 and grabbed a bite to eat (watch out for the ruthless crows) before venturing off (in hindsight, we probably should've brought our water and rain coats too, but it worked out just fine, luckily...). We immediately got in line for the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone because the line can be upwards of 90 minutes long and if it had been pouring rain, I can't even imagine what that would be like. Our wait was about 30 minutes and went by fast, as they did a great job putting up informational signs along the way to teach you about the 5 different levels of the castle and the history of the castle and gardens.

The castle itself is extremely impressive and the biggest one we've seen, ever. Even if you do not want to kiss the stone, the castle is still pretty cool to see. The stairwell is original and VERY narrow and steep, so I would warn anyone with a fear of heights, claustrophobia, or physically unable to climb back down the stairs, NOT to venture up to the top.

We of course kissed the stone, got our pictures, and explored the castle before heading all the way down. Once the most touristy part of our day was behind us, we casually found our way through the rest of the gardens. Admittedly, we did not see every part but we did work our way around to the poison garden, the fern garden, the bee house, the lake and dock, the Blarney House, the loop around the fairy hideout, the jungle, the waterfall, the rock close, the lookout tower, the caves, AND the bridges on our way out. Details below:

The gardens are so tidy and expansive, really awe-inspiring... and nothing like we've seen before. If you venture off the main path, you'll be rewarded with a secluded walk through vine covered trees in the poison garden, everything in a vibrant green around you. The fern garden is super peaceful and overwhelms you with a sense of calm. The bee house is so cute, especially for kids... You can see the hives and learn a little about their bee habitat (save the bees!). The lake is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear, sunny day. Overall the walk to the lake was long but super relaxing and we still hadn't seen it all! When we got to the Blarney house, there were donkeys, horses and cows in the fields. As we worked our way through the gardens, we came up to the playground and signs to the fairy hideout and again, everything was just so clean, tidy, and beautiful in the ways that nature is. We found some huge trees, spruce (native to CA) and unique archways. Before leaving we took the extra steps to clean through the "jungle" and glad we did because it really wasn't too much farther and we got to see the gorgeous waterfalls. The other areas nearby the castle are the rock close and the lookout tower. Our last stop was the caves... So cool! It was a short walk but you have to bend down the whole time walking through, because it is only about 4.5 feet tall but totally worth it because it is really unique and nice and cool inside.

10/10 recommend the gardens and if we lived locally, then we would definitely get and annual pass.

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Very nice grounds. Privately run and not under the park service. I don't get the appeal of kissing the stone though I'm in the minority. The line was very long. Money has been well invested and the care clearly shows.

Many, many years ago the San Antonio Shamrock Society used to hold an event at The University of The Incarnate Word. It was meant to highlight Irish Culture in our city. One of its main attractions was a replica of the Blarney Stone. Although it wasn't in the Blarney Castle it still left an indelible impression on me. It was on the ground far away from its gloried five flights. I did kiss that replica but I thought one day I would make a trip to experience it firsthand. I have always had an affinity for Ireland.

Enter a trip to Europe where tickets purchased to see Ozzy Osborne only to have his Dublin date canceled. So I was left searching for things to do in its absence. In a heartbeat traveling to Blarney Stone was at the top of my list. A thing about Ireland is there exists a magical realism reflected in its lore and landscape. It is very similar to Latin American particularly Mexican Culture in that sense. Historical monuments like Blarney Castle should not be considered just as structures but contain fantastical properties. It is abundant all around.

Me and my company arrived here right before it opened. Visitors were slowly trickling in at this point. If you can I suggest you buy tickets online to expedite the process quicker. And a friendly reminder carry Euros with you at all times. You should use them when paying for parking. The grounds are lush with green and every type of shrubbery imaginable in bloom. I saw tourists with huge backpacks or were wearing shoes meant for a fancy date thereafter. Leave them behind. Dress comfortably but know even in the summer it is still cool here.

As a person who is afraid of heights looking at its base then the top made me nervous. But whatever distance you have traversed you should do it. Once inside I could sense its immensity. A video of the Castle's history is on repeat before you even start. So we made our way through its stairwell. A family of three was before us. Not even a flight of stairs in a lady from their company had a panic attack. She was sobbing miserably, afraid to go any further. She was apologetic that her meltdown had somehow effected our experience. We offered for her to climb with us. But her fright got the best of her.

In her defense the flight of stairs are long-winding, narrow and claustrophobic. There are ropes, places to grip that guide you to the top. It is an extremely helpful tool. In hindsight getting there early allowed us to travel at our own pace. That alleviated most of the pressure I had with my nervousness. Along the way there are small rooms that serve to " catch your breath." I peered into one quickly only to see the distance downward. When we finally made the trek to the top there were two men waiting. One cleans the wall as you kiss it with Windex. The other helps you position yourself.

I saw one person refuse to kiss the stone. Which is basically the Castle's wall because of the hygienic implications. At this point any surface touched by hand even kiss is compromised. (I know Covid is no where near over, I'm already over it.) You are positioned on your back. Beneath you are safety bars that make it impossible for you to fall. In addition as you kiss the wall staff takes your picture, which can be purchased downstairs for twenty- something(ish) dollars. Even if you are afraid of heights I implore you to look at the Castle's landscape from the top. Before you leave.

I tend to not be superstitious nor easily lulled by the supernatural but I felt a presence. As if someone were guiding me through the stairs. Even in the entrance way as I was watching the video I felt something next to me. To me there is a magical realism at hand here. Or maybe it was the Guinness talking from the night before. Furthermore I know the garden's ground is vast with much more to see but by then more tourists arrived. A replica and the genuine article are two different things. I will not soon forget my trip here.

On the way down one of the men said by kissing the stone you are bestowed with the gift of gab. Or eloquence. I'm still waiting . Any day now.

This catle was probably the best castle ruins experience we had in Ireland. Your admission pays for entry into the entire estate, which is expansive and beautiful. If I was planning the trip again, this would be a lovely place to spend the better part of a day. While the details of the castle and the stone are fast enough to get through, the grounds could be wandered for hours.

There are so many fields, woods, and gardens with well maintained paths, I felt the itch to put on running shoes and just go get lost through them. There were beautiful picnic spots and plenty of gardens with botanical informative signs. The additional residence on the grounds (still privately owned) was also beautiful and fun to photograph.

As we were here during the off-season, the castle itself only took us about a half hour to go through. Several floors in various dilapidated states and lots of tiny little rooms you can't imagine to have ever been cozy. It was fun to be able to climb the many stairs and passages exploring. At the top you're rewarded with some incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

The Blarney stone was less exciting. If it had been packed, we'd have waited in what was roped off to suggest a pretty ridiculous line. We walked right up, and two attendants help you lay on your back and kiss a stone (that looks like all the other castle stones with no particular distinction) upside-down.. Seemed a tad unsanitary and unnecessary. I just photographed the stone, but my friends did the whole bit. The caves below the castle were far more interesting in my opinion.

Overall, I wouldn't go again for the stone (especially because the history of it is very shaky), but the castle is worth a view, and the gardens and grounds are divine.

A must-do for tourists. Booked our tickets online in advance but tickets are available for purchase there. Cash and credit card accepted on the premises. Water was 2 euros at the gift shop. There were toilets available throughout the grounds.

Kissing the Blarney Stone was on my bucket list for Ireland, and given that we were here on a Monday during off-season, there was no wait. We did see signs that indicated wait times of 60-90 min wait times for the stone. Note that the stairs were very narrow and there's no railing. If you're afraid of heights, you may wish to reconsider going up. However, the employees working at the top were lovely and also help secure you while you're hanging upside down. There are photos available for purchase but I would recommend having a friend film the process.

There was a private farm on the grounds as well as stables converted into a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. A picnic would be lovely on the grounds. It's good for kids as well as first time visitors. It was easily accessible via Bus from Cork City Center. Overall, a really fun afternoon outing.

The grounds and castle were beautiful. We absolutely loved our trip here in August. Parking was fine and they had multiple areas to get food. A lot of people talk about the castle, which is amazing, but the grounds are fairly large with other interesting sites like the Poison Garden (complete with cannabis), Stable Yard, Arboretum area, and Fern Garden. I would highly recommend exploring the whole grounds and not just the castle. The line to see and or kiss the stone was all the way to outside of the forecastle, so we bypassed that but spent a lot of time on the upper walls by the Poison Garden and Stable area. You can see the stone from below and see the poor people being helped under the area to kiss it, which is pretty funny to watch! Seating can be limited in the eatery areas so be aware of that.

Perhaps more Americans have heard of the Blarney Stone than the Irish Civil War

Castle Blarney is a worthy visit

Of course, many folks are in pursuit of the Blarney Stone

But will it instill Blarney?

I had plenty of Blarney before the Stone experience

Journey to top of Castle Blarney, and join the line

An attendant will assist you into a wooden frame; he will then propel you to the exterior of the castle where the "kiss" might occur

There is Blarney that a group of Irish Lads who have spent several hour at the nearby pub visit the stone in the night to "water it down"

Castle security makes this Blarney highly unlikely

My Irish mother had plenty of Blarney as well

It is an amazing place to visit. Be prepared to climb the small narrow walkway and stairs of the castle.

Yes, I did kiss the Blarney Stone. Yes, they do clean it after someone kisses it.

Come early as possible since there will inevitably be a line and the less time in line, the less time in the potentially hot hot sun. Consider having some euro coins on you to tip the people that help you kiss the stone--it looks like a hard job, especially when the sun is beating down.

Did I feel any different after kissing the stone? Yes. Some people get their speaking confidence from life experience, taking classes, boobs jobs, or mentors, but you can cut all that out and just kiss the stone to achieve the gift of gab.

A couple things to know about Blarney Castle.....

1. The Blarney Stone is an attraction in itself and brings people from all over the world looking for the ""gift of gab"

2. The castle alone is well worth the price of admission and a quick train ride from Dublin to Cork.

Great stories both legend and fact.

Beautiful views everywhere you look.

And finally #3 and the one I didn't know until I got there.....

The castle grounds and amazing!!!!

You need to make the additional time and walk around. The site has done a great job of mapping out locations on the property that are steeped in legend.

The Druid stones, witches kitchen and wishing stairs, and seven sisters make for a fun little treasure hunt.

I had a great time. You will too.