Blarney Castle – Home of the Blarney Stone

There is so much more to Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone than you might imagine. Located just a few miles from Cork in Blarney Village, Blarney Castle features beautiful gardens and woodland walks as well as historic Blarney House, which is still lived in by Sir Charles Colthurst and his family. Join me in a virtual visit to Blarney and get my top tips to help you make the most of your visit if you are planning to go there in person.

The Legend of Blarney Castle

There are so many stories about Blarney Castle, and the place still feels full of magic and mystery. When I was a little girl, my Dad and my Grandpa used to talk about kissing the Blarney Stone. Kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle is said to give you “the gift of the gab”or the ability to be elegant and persuasive. Although neither my Dad nor my Grandpa had ever kissed the aforementioned stone, they both had that gift, and their stories about the stone made me resolve to kiss it myself one day. And one bittersweet day not long after my father passed away my son and I visited and we kissed the stone. As for me, I kissed it not just once but twice – the second time not entirely of my own choice! You can read more about that day here if you like.

A Place I Love To Visit

Since then, I have returned to Blarney Castle many times and I am always taken by it. Even if you don’t want to climb the hundred plus steps to get to the Blarney Stone – or stand in a long queue to do so – it’s well worth a visit to see the gorgeous grounds, gardens, castle ruins and Blarney House. Honestly, I have only kissed the Blarney Stone once more since my original visit; my reason for visiting now is more about spending time in the gardens which, in my experience, are beautiful in every season.

Blarney Castle

The castle itself is sadly in ruins, but much of it is safely intact enough to allow you to explore a bit. The stairs to get up to the Blarney Stone are very narrow and steep, particularly towards the top. It’s no surprise though, as the Blarney stone at the very top of the castle. The climb can be a little challenging if you are claustrophobic, but the experience and the views really are worth the climb. I definitely would not recommend it if you suffer from a lot of anxiety or have any heart issues though.

Kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle

The Blarney Stone is embedded in the piece of the wall that juts out from the actual tower. The railings you can see at the top are there to stop you from falling as you kiss it! If you do brave the stairs the views out over the countryside are quite amazing.

Of course, you have the opportunity to kiss the stone itself, although I have seen a lot of people get all the way to the top and decide they do not want to after all! To kiss the stone, you lie down on some plastic sheeting (while a strong man holds on to your waist), grab on to the hand rails, pull yourself down over the abyss, and pucker up!

Whether or not it gives you the gift of eloquence, kissing the Blarney Stone really is an experience. My first hand advice? Don’t look down! Would I do this again post-pandemic? Honestly, no, although I am told by a reliable source that the stone is disinfected between kisses. I cannot confirm this though as I have not climbed all the way to the top for a number of years!

The Gardens at Blarney Castle

There certainly are plenty of gardens and woodland walks to explore – from the striking Fern Garden (pictured below) to a Bog Garden and even The Poison Garden, full of poisonous plants. There’s a Fairy Glade, which I am told is still occupied by fairies, and an interesting short walk around a Rock Close as well. You are given an excellent map of the castle grounds when you buy your ticket and all the walks are well-signposted.

The fern gardens are one of my favourite parts of the gardens.

There are more modern sculptures in some parts of the garden, which contrast sharply with the ancient stone to create an interesting effect.

Blarney House

Blarney House is a beautiful, historic mansion built in the castle grounds in 1874 that is still lived in today. During the summer months, you are usually able to take tours of the house. During other seasons the house is occupied so tours are understandably not available.

It’s really interesting to see such historic rooms, paintings and artefacts juxtaposed with the owners’ modern day possessions. The day I visited there was a Lego model under construction on one of the pianos! It was very refreshing to see a home like this still loved and lived in.

Tips For Visiting Blarney Castle

Some locals may give an embarrassed sigh when you tell them you kissed the Blarney Stone. Some may even say “Did you have to?”, but in my opinion, a visit to this magical place really is not to be missed. Roughly 8 kilometres from Cork City Centre, Blarney Castle is open all year round (opening times vary). Blarney House is occasionally open for guided tours during the summer months. Visit the Castle website for more information and opening times.

Blarney Castle and grounds often become crowded as the day wears on, so if you can arrive early you will have a chance to explore before the crowds. It also makes it easier to get good photographs of the castle and grounds.

Be sure to take time to visit Blarney village around the castle as well if you can.

Parking is available at the castle.

Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Be sure to check with the relevant venues for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms. Kiss the Blarney Stone at your own risk. I cannot be responsible for anything that happens should you choose to kiss the Blarney Stone nor if the promised gift of the gab fails to materialise!

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