blarney castle blarney stone

The castle is full of historical treasures, which you can learn about if you visit and take a guided tour. Take time to explore the castle's beautiful surroundings also - they are truly breathtaking. Such sites include the Witches kitchen, the castle dungeons and the mesmerizing Rock Close.

The legendary Blarney Stone is found high up in the battlements of the castle. Thousands of people flock here each year to climb the steep parapet and hang backwards to kiss the stone. Many even overcome their fear of heights just to kiss the famous stone!

The stone is believed to be half of the ‘Stone of Scone’, which originally belonged to Scotland and said to have special powers. There are also tales that the stone was in fact the pillow of Jacob and that it was the stone that Moses struck for water during the flight of Egypt.

The story behind the Blarney Stone giving you the gift of the gab originated from Queen Elizabeth wanting Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, managed every royal request with subtle diplomacy, promising loyalty to the Queen without "giving in". Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney", thus giving rise to the legend.

You too can acquire the gift of eloquence - just kiss the stone!

Blarney Castle is located 7 km from Cork City, off the main N20 Cork-Mallow road.

Monday to Saturday

May: 9.00am to 6.30pm

June-July-Aug: 9.00am to 7.00pm

Sept: 9.00am to 6.30pm

Oct-Apr: 9.00am to sundown

Sundays

Summer: 9.30am to 5.30pm

Winter: 9.30am to sundown

Last admission; 30 minutes before closing

Adult Admission: Eur 10.00
Student/Seniors: Eur 8.00
Children (8-14 years): Eur 3.50
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): Eur23.50