castles historical blarney

Built nearly 1000 years ago for the McCarthy Clan, Blarney Castle remains one of Ireland's oldest castles. Blarney Castle is a world-renowned attraction and should not be missed by anyone visiting the South West of Ireland.
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 t...

The Blarney Stone may have imparted the gift of eloquence but it did not necessarily bring good fortune. The MacCarthys forfeited their castle in the Williamite War and it was later acquired by the St. John Jefferyes family. In the 18th century James St. John Jefferys built a fanciful Georgian Gothic mansion attached to the old castle. But the house burned down and was never rebuilt.

Instead in 1874 a Scottish baronial mansion was built nearby overlooking Blarney Lake. The house i...