Blarney

Blarney known the world over for the historic Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence - "the gift of the gab", as the locals call it.

"There is a stone that whoever kisses never misses to grow eloquent, he may clamber to a lady's chamber or become a member of parliament".

For many of the visitors to Blarney, their first priority is to kiss the famous Blarney Stone high up on the Castle battlements. Over 200,000 people visit Blarney Castle each year. The castle, built in the 15th-16th Century, is situated in over a thousand acres of magnificent woodland, on the Blarney Castle Estate, making it the ideal place to take walks and enjoy the clean fresh environment of Blarney. Steeped in history and magical charm, Blarney village offers the visitor a host of wonderful things to do and places to discover.

In Tudor style, Blarney village has developed around the square which is owned and carefully maintained by Blarney Castle Estate. One of many things that impresses the first time visitor is the well preserved village square. Blarney is one of the few villages in Ireland which has such a fine amenity, and today it continues to be a focal point of village life. Blarney just 8km (5 miles) from Cork City is set in beautiful wooded countryside, it is an ideal base to visit the many wonderful sights of Cork and Kerry.

Blarney has lots of fine accommodation options these include hotels, bed and breakfasts, Blarney caravan and camping park, town and country homes and farmhouses. Approved Blarney self-catering accommodation is also available. Blarney offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Shopping is a pleasure in Blarney village where there are a number of excellent outlets, including the world famous Blarney Woollen Mills. Established in 1824, the outlet has become one of the largest craft shops in Ireland and is renowned for its quality produce. Blarney in olden days had been the site of thirteen mills with the production of linen, plour, paper, bleaching, dying and iron production, due to the natural layout of Blarney with the River Martin flowing into the Blarney River and this in turn flowing into the Shournagh River which proceeds to flow into the River Lee at Carrigrohane, near Cork City.

Blarney offers a superb variety of recreational pursuits to suit all ages. The golfer has several excellent eighteen hole courses to choose from; two within five miles of the village. There is a network of quiet country lanes for the walking enthusiast. Locally, you can fish for salmon, wild brown trout or coarse fish.

There are several sports and leisure centres for fitness buffs located in the area, which offer everything from swimming to gymnasium facilities. For families there's a delightful woodland farm which features a meandering nature trail offering a mixture of fun, education and relaxation.Visitors from around the world are warmly welcomed to Blarney every year and it never disappoints.

Blarney FAQ's

What is Blarney famous for?

Blarney is best known for Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone and Blarney Woolen Mills. Those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence.

How far is Blarney from Cork Airport & Cork City?

Blarney is 20 km from Cork Airport and 10 km from Cork City.

How long do you need in Blarney?

One or two days will be enough to see Blarney and the surrounding area, many visitors use it as a base to visit Cork City, Mallow and East Cork.

Is Blarney worth visiting?

Blarney Castle & Gardens are certainly worth a visit, to kiss the Blarney stone is an added bonus. Round it off with lunch at The Blarney Castle Hotel and some shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills. After shopping chill out with a glass of Guinness at The Muskerry Arms.

Do I need a rental Car in Cork?

If you plan on travelling outside of Cork City, a rental car will certainly give you the freedom to tour at your own pace. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar Dollar, Thrifty & Sixt all have desks at Cork AirportCompare car hire prices.