Kiss the Blarney Stone and Unlock the Gift of Gab at Ireland's Legendary Castle
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When visiting Ireland, a trip to Blarney Castle is a must for those seeking a glimpse into the country's rich and storied history. When I first began planning my trip to Dublin, I wasn’t sure how easy exploring the rest of Ireland would be. To my surprise, it’s extremely easy to visit Blarney Castle from Dublin so don’t let that deter you from visiting this magical place!
The castle, located in County Cork, is famous for the Blarney Stone, which according to legend grants the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. Blarney Castle is about a 3-hour drive from Dublin or reachable by a comfortable train journey to Cork followed by a short bus or taxi ride. We opted to take the train from Dublin and this ended up being one of my favorite days of the trip! Whether you seek to kiss the stone for its legendary gift or simply soak in the ancient atmosphere of this historic site, a visit to Blarney Castle promises a memorable and enriching experience.
Blarney Castle History
Blarney Castle has a rich and captivating history that dates back centuries. Originally built as a wooden structure in the 10th century, the iconic stone castle we know today was constructed in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, the King of South Munster.
The castle served as a powerful fortification and residence for the McCarthy clan, one of the most influential families in Munster at the time. As you explore the grounds, you’ll see that its strategic location on a rock overlooking the River Martin made it an ideal defensive stronghold during the turbulent years of conflict between Irish chieftains and English forces.
Throughout its storied past, Blarney Castle witnessed many significant events and changed hands several times. In 1646, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle endured a brutal siege by the forces of Lord Broghill, which lasted nearly a year before the McCarthy clan surrendered. The castle's defiant resistance during this siege added to its legendary reputation.
Over the centuries, Blarney Castle has been a witness to numerous battles, sieges, and power struggles, making it an integral part of Ireland's rich history. Today, it stands full of history, waiting for visitors to explore. From acres of beautiful gardens (including fairy gardens and a poison garden!) to underground caves, Blarney Castle is a must when visiting Ireland.
The Legend of the Blarney Stone
One of the main attractions of Blarney Castle is the legendary Blarney Stone. According to Irish folklore, the stone possesses the power to bestow exceptional eloquence and skill at flattery on anyone who kisses it. The origins of this legend are shrouded in mystery, but it has become an integral part of the castle's allure.
The Blarney Stone is a rectangular block of bluestone embedded in the castle's wall. To kiss it, visitors must lie down on their back, lean backward from the railed walkway, and bend over the edge - with assistance from the staff of course! This precarious position has become a rite of passage for those seeking the gift of eloquence.
The tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone dates back centuries, with various theories about its origins. One popular belief is that the stone was a piece of the Stone of Scone, an ancient Scottish coronation stone. Others claim it was a stone brought back from the Crusades by one of the castle's former owners.
Regardless of its true origins, the legend has captured the imagination of countless visitors. Many believe that after kissing the stone, they have acquired a newfound charm and persuasiveness in their speech and writing. Whether it's the power of suggestion or a genuine mystical force, the Blarney Stone remains a beloved and enduring Irish tradition.
Is Blarney Castle Worth Visiting?
Blarney Castle is undoubtedly one of Ireland's most famous and popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. The ancient castle and its stunning grounds offer a wealth of historical significance, architectural marvels, and unique experiences that make it a must-visit destination.
One of the primary reasons Blarney Castle is so highly regarded is its rich history dating back to the 15th century. The medieval fortress, with its imposing stone walls and towers, transports visitors back in time, allowing them to imagine the lives of the Irish chieftains and nobles who once called it home. As I explored inside the walls of the castle, my imagination quickly pieced together what each room of the castle looked like in its heyday and it was so much fun climbing up and down the narrow spiral staircases.
Beyond its historical significance, Blarney Castle boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The castle sits atop impressive rock formations, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and lush greenery. The famous Rock Close, with its winding trails and vibrant flora, takes you on a journey through fairy glades and lagoons. Highlights on the trail are marked with names of witches and druids, which are a huge piece of Ireland’s culture.
Many visitors are drawn to Blarney Castle because of Blarney Stone, but there’s so much more to see than that! Kissing the stone is in no way required when touring the castle or the grounds. In fact, I didn’t participate in kissing the stone and this was still one of my favorite days of the trip!
Blarney Castle Tickets
Purchasing tickets for Blarney Castle is a straightforward process and tickets can be purchased ahead of time online directly from the Blarney Castle & Gardens website or with your favorite tour aggregate like Get Your Guide or Viator. Adult admission tickets cost $22, while children (ages 6-16) pay $10, and kids under 6 enter for free. Seniors and students can enjoy a discounted rate of $17. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the ticket office if you’re unsure which day you’ll be visiting. Each ticket gives you access to the grounds, gardens, and the castle - it’s an easy one-stop shop!
Things to do at Blarney Castle
If you think that the only thing to do at Blarney Castle is kiss Blarney Stone, then you, my friend, are wrong. There’s actually quite a lot to do and see at Blarney Castle! So much so that you’ll want to plan to spend about 3-4 hours here to fully see everything they have to offer.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Stone (at the top of the castle)
Rock Close
Three trails throughout the grounds
Poison Garden
Playgrounds
A cafe for snacks or lunch
60-acres of gardens
Dublin to Blarney Castle by Train
Taking the train from Dublin to Blarney Castle is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to make the journey. This is how we got to Blarney Castle from Dublin and it was a breeze! We even had enough time to explore downtown Cork and have an early dinner before taking the train back to Dublin.
Irish Rail operates frequent services from Dublin's Heuston Station to Cork Kent Station, with the total travel time being around 2.5-3 hours. Once you arrive at Cork Kent Station, you can take a short taxi or bus ride to Blarney Castle, which is about 15-20 minutes away depending on traffic.
The train route passes through the lush Irish countryside, offering stunning views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic landmarks along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for ruins of castles and the Darigold facility! It's a relaxing and comfortable journey, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads.
Train schedules are frequent, with multiple departures throughout the day, making it easy to plan your trip. We took a morning train that departed Dublin at 8am so that we had plenty of time in Cork and at Blarney Castle. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred travel times and take advantage of discounted fares. You can also select your seats when you purchase your ticket online to ensure that you’re entire group is sitting together. A roundtrip train ticket from Dublin to Cork is about $60 per adult and in my opinion, is well worth it. The train itself is very comfortable and clean.
Other Ways to Visit Blarney Castle from Dublin
While taking the train from Dublin to Blarney Castle is a convenient option, there are several other ways to make the journey from Ireland's capital city. One popular alternative is to join a guided group tour. These tours typically depart from central Dublin and include roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and admission to Blarney Castle. The main benefit of a bus tour is the convenience of having everything taken care of for you, but they can be more expensive and offer less flexibility than independent travel. You’ll also be with a group all day so if you prefer exploring on your own, I recommend going with the train option.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace and don’t mind renting a car, driving from Dublin to Blarney Castle is also an option. The journey takes approximately 3 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions. Renting a car allows you to stop along the way and explore other attractions in the area, such as the Rock of Cashel or the Jameson Distillery in Midleton. However, driving in Ireland can be challenging for those unfamiliar with left-side driving.
Another alternative is to book a private tour or hire a driver for the day. This option is more expensive than the others but is the ultimate option for convenience and flexibility. Your driver can take you directly to Blarney Castle and other sites of interest, and you can tailor the itinerary to your preferences.
How Much Time Should You Spend at Blarney Castle?
Deciding how much time to spend at Blarney Castle can be tricky, as it depends on various factors. Generally, most visitors spend between 3-4 hours exploring the castle grounds and attractions. However, if you want a more leisurely experience and plan to thoroughly explore the grounds, you may want to budget 4-5 hours or more.
We spent a solid 3 hours at Blarney Castle & Gardens and saw the majority of the grounds. Three hours should give you enough time to explore the castle itself, including the famous Blarney Stone, as well as the main areas of the beautiful gardens and grounds. If you plan to kiss the Blarney Stone, be prepared for potentially long lines, which can add to your overall visit time. The peak season for tourism in Ireland is the summer months and this is when you need to build in extra time to kiss the stone. If you’re visiting in the off-season, like I did, then you have nothing to worry about! There was absolutely no line during our visit in February - also, the weather was gorgeous!
Exploring Blarney Castle is a truly captivating experience that immerses visitors in the rich history and enchanting tales of Ireland. From kissing the legendary Blarney Stone for the "gift of gab" to wandering through the lush gardens and ancient ruins, Blarney Castle offers a window into Ireland's past and a glimpse of its enduring charm. Whether you’re a history buff interested in medieval architecture, a nature lover admiring the diverse flora adorning the grounds, or a seeker of mythical adventures enticed by the lore surrounding the castle, a visit to Blarney Castle promises memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your trip today, stroll through history, and unlock the magic of this iconic Irish landmark.
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
