If you’re from Blarney like myself it’s a rare occurrence that you’ll venture into the Blarney Castle and Gardens. “That place is only for the Americans” me and my friends would say as teenagers. We were dragged here on School Tours or as part of the local Kids Summer Camp but we never really saw the appealing side of it that I’ve fallen in love with recently.
Now that I’m older, I can appreciate The Castle through new eyes. We were mad not to step inside the magical grounds of The Castle all those years ago. It’s amazing how much hard work has gone into beautifying the gardens over the recent years. I may be biased because I’m a Blarney girl, but I have to admit that Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of my favourite places in Cork. I do love taking a road-trip to West Cork too! In fact, walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens has become one of my favourite past-times when I’m home.
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How best to experience Blarney Castle and gardens
I couldn’t help taking photos all day, the Castle grounds are trully a photographers dream. Tip: if you see a queue of people waiting to kiss the stone, that’s your chance to stroll around the gardens and snap plenty of people-free photographs.
Everywhere is so green, it’s no wonder the tourists flock here in their thousands every year. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in all of Ireland. It gets very busy in the Summer months so be prepared for that, you may be queuing for the stone and to enter especially at the weekends. During these busy times, you can easily come across over 5,000 tourists walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens.
Tips for Blarney Castle grounds
If you love to walk, there are numerous routes you can take through the grounds some a lot longer than others. The Castle’s grounds sprawl across 60 acres, so, you can easily spend the whole day here.
The history of the Blarney stone
Did you know? The famous Blarney Stone was originally known as Lia Fáil or the Stone of Destiny, and its mysterious powers were first revealed to the McCarthy family (the family who originally built the Castle) by a witch they had saved from drowning. As you know, it’s said to give anyone who kisses it ‘the gift of the gab’.
Ticket prices for Blarney Castle and Gardens
The Castle is open year-round to visitors and cost of entry is 15euro for adults, 6euro for children aged 8-16, children under 8 are free and students/pensioners are 12euro.
Buy an Annual Pass for the Blarney Castle
Did you know? You can purchase an Annual Pass for the Blarney Castle Grounds, the price for an adult for a year pass is €75, a student is €60 and a family pass is €170. Absolute bargain! You can find more pricing information here
Want to know more? You can find more information about the Blarney Castle and Gardens here
**Also, let me know what you thought about my photos and stories of walking through Blarney Castle and Gardens in the comment section below.
A visit to Ballyhoura is a must in Ireland
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6 thoughts on “A day at Blarney Castle and Gardens”
The Blarney Castle looks straight out of a fairy tale. One can almost expect a knight in shining armour to emerge from it any moment. The gardens are so scenic and picturesque. I was fascinated by the fables associated with the castle, especially the powers of the Blarney Stone.
I skipped Blarney Castle when I was in Ireland because I was pressed for time and I heard it was touristy. I regret it. It looks gorgeous. I’ll definitely check it out next time.
Blarney Castle and Garden looks really nice. I love the old castle but I guess we are not allowed to go in? If not it will be so interesting! Also, the place is full of greenery. I’m in love!
I can’t believe how green everything is…I mean I expected some green, but this is like a jungle! I’m sure the Blarney castle is just one of many wonderful castles to see in Ireland, but I can see why it’s so popular.
Looks like something straight out of a fairytale! Amazing photos. Followed you guys on Instagram so I can keep up with your adventures! 🙂
The castle grounds look beautiful! I’d probably skip looking at the stone and just walk around seeing all the greenery all day.