Blarney Castle & Gardens

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

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

• Blarney Castle & Gardens tickets are available in advance online or onsite

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Exploring Cork City

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.

Ways to explore

Plan a few hours to half a day to explore the Blarney Castle and Gardens. Expect to wait in line to kiss the Blarney Stone, and don’t leave the castle without exploring the grounds. You can visit independently or by private tours that showcase the best of the Irish countryside and remove the need to drive on the opposite side of the road.

Tours of the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, and the Burren often include a stop at Blarney Castle. Combination tours include other sites such as the Rock of Cashel.

Accessibility

The castle is not accessible, though part of the grounds and garden are.

Age limits

Children under 8 may not be able to kiss the stone—it is up to the staff’s discretion.

What to pack

Rain jacket, umbrella

What to wear

Waterproof shoes, a hat, layers

Not allowed

Bikes, scooters, roller blades, dogs, ball games, drones

Amenities

Café, maps in several languages, parking lot, restrooms

Address

Blarney Castle and Gardens is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) northwest of the city of Cork. You could make an afternoon trip to Blarney Castle from Cork City or plan a visit from Dublin as part of a wider tour. Arriving by car or group tour is the easiest way to reach the castle.

Driving

From the Cork City center, follow signs for Limerick (N20). Drive for 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) and take the exit on the left signposted for Blarney. Blarney Castle is in the heart of Blarney Village. There is a fee of €2 to use the on-site car park.

Public transportation

From Cork City, public transportation by bus is available to the village of Blarney. The journey on the Bus Eireann 215 takes about 25 minutes. On arrival in the village of Blarney, continue on foot.

Best times to visit

The Blarney Castle and Gardens are open year-round, with slightly longer visiting hours in summer. The landmark opens at 9am, and the morning hours are often the quietest with the shortest lines.

Best days to visit

Weekends and bank holiday Mondays are the busiest times at the Blarney Castle and Gardens. Plan a visit from Monday through Thursday to try and avoid some of the crowds. Note the last admission times on the website, which vary throughout the year.

Best months to visit

June and September are the best months to visit Blarney Castle, as visitors may experience warm and pleasant weather without summer crowds. The holiday season is also a lovely, if chilly, time to visit, but the landmark is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Special events

The Blarney Castle and Gardens sometimes hosts special events and exhibitions, though not on a regular schedule. Check the castle’s website for details on artistic exhibitions, holiday-themed events, and more.