Blarney

Last Updated: 10th Oct, 2019

larney village is located just under 20 minutes from Cork City Centre, taking the N20 and then the R617 into Blarney, Co Cork, 5 miles from Cork. Blarney is set in a lovely wooded river area, with its attractive old village, dated back to the 18th Century, which centres around the village green. You may be lucky to come across a number of musical recitals on the village green during the Summer months.

Just a short walk from Blarney village green lies the Blarney Castle Estate, where you will find the famous Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone. Having climbed Blarney Castle and kissed the famous Blarney Stone you can proceed to walk the grounds and gardens of the Estate and take time out to enjoy this peaceful setting and see the large range of rare and unusual trees and plants in the gardens.

Blarney village in olden times was home to a number of mills due to the natural setting of Blarney and its rivers, the River Martin and the Shournagh River flowing into Cork's River Lee at Carrigrohane.

The Spinning and Weaving Mills in Blarney in times gone by, depended on the water source to power the machines in the mills and hence the Blarney village grew around the milling industry with houses being built in the village for the workers. This industry however was wiped out due to competition from abroad.

The mills history continues in Blarney, where you can enjoy shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills, and pick up a souvenir such as Irish Waterford Crystal, the Belleek range, Irish Linen and Lace, Irish traditional Aran Sweaters, a range of Irish Wool Throws or Yarn to take home, or a fashionable Wool Cape or Irish Shawl with a Celtic Tara Brooch.

Why not explore Blarney on foot, where you will find a number of lovely country or riverside walks, and take them at your own pace:

The Martin Valley Trail to Waterloo: A riverside walk along the Martin River Valley from Blarney village right through to Waterloo Church and Tower, a 1.6 mile walk. You will pass through a water meadow, and pass some fine old oak woodland and Scots Pine trees, passing an old weir, and a landmark called Taylor's Rock and you will arrive at Waterloo Church and the round Tower which was built in 1845.

Clogheenmilcon Walk, is a walk from Blarney located beside the main Blarney-Cork Road, which takes in Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary, one of the walks on irishheart.ie site Sli na Slainte, a 1.5 mile walk or suitable for runners. Starting out from the Tourist Office in Blarney follow the Sli na Slainte signs and you can loop back on the walk around the Sanctuary back to Blarney village again, take in some of the wildlife on the sanctuary on the way.

The Old Muskerry Tram Route: A walking route in Blarney and Tower area to explore.

For those looking for Golf in Blarney and surrounding areas there is: Blarney Golf Course an 18 hole course set in the beautiful Shournagh Valley of Blarney. Muskerry Golf Course is an 18 hole parkland course close to the village of Tower near Blarney. Lee Valley Golf an 18 hole course with stunning views over the Lee Valley, located just 15 minutes from Cork City.

More Golf Course close to Blarney: Douglas Golf Club, Macroom Golf Club, Mallow Golf Club, Water Rock Golf Course Midleton, Fota Golf Club and the Old Head of Kinsale Golf Links

BLARNEY CASTLE ESTATE

The lovely village of Blarney is where the famous Blarney Stone Cork is kissed by visitors to Ireland each year and is located in Blarney Castle on the Blarney Castle Estate. It is said that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift eloquence! The village of Blarney centres around the village green and with a history of milling and weaving, Blarney village was built for the mill workers. Blarney village is located just 20 minutes from Cork City and is easily accessible with a good road network and regular bus service from the Cork Parnell Bus Station in Cork City centre.

• Visitor Attractions in West Cork
• East Cork Visitor Attractions
• Cork City Visitor Attractions

BANTRY HOUSE & GARDENS

Bantry House & Gardens located on the outskirts of Blarney town centre. Immerse yourself in the epic adventure of 1796 which includes an individual sound tour, complete with accompanying music and sound effects available in a choice of different languages.

CHARLES FORT KINSALE

Charles Fort Kinsale West Cork, is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification

Cobh Heritage Centre

Cobh Heritage Centre. The story of the origins of Cobh town origins, it's unque history and legacy are dramatically recalled at The Queenstown Story - a stunning multi media exhibition at Cobh's restored Victorian Railway Station. Themes include The Titanic, Emigration & Famine. New Genealogy Service available.

Cork City Goal

Cork City Goal has been restored as a highly exciting visitor attraction in Cork City which set out to tell the visitor what life was like there for prisoners in the 19th century. An exciting Audio Visual presentation is an integral part of the experience along with life like figures and sound effects. Explore this impressive castle like building, where Night Tours are also available as well as School Tours and Corporate Events. Cork City Tour Bus stops at Cork City Gaol.

Cork Vision Centre

Cork Vision Centre located in the heart of Cork's historic centre, and within walking distance of the city's artistic, commercial and tourist attractions, the Cork Vision Centre offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate a fine example of conservation in action, and to explore Cork's evolution from past, through present, and onwards to future development.

Desmond Castle

Desmond Castle has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence.

DONERALE WILDLIFE PARK

DONERALE WILDLIFE PARK North of Doneraile town in Co. Cork, a great landscaped estate - 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and herds of deer.

Fota Wildlife Park, House & Gardens

Fota Wildlife Park is Ireland's only Wildlife Park in Fota, East Cork. In this rural setting one can view rare and endangered species of wildlife in surroundings which have been developed as close as possible to their natural environment. Explore Fota House & beautiful gardens also.

Jameson Heritage Centre

Exploring the Jameson Midleton Distillery in Midleton Co. Cork will take you back through time. Discover the history, and the magical taste of Irish Whiskey, in the Irish language, Uisce Beatha, and in English, the Water of Life, the mystical spirit perfected by Irish monks in the 6th Century A.D.

MICHAEL COLLINS CENTRE

MICHAEL COLLINS CENTRE Clonakilty have been interpreting the life of Michael Collins since 1997, when they organized the first Michael Collins Tours, taking visitors to the important sites in West Cork associated with the famous patriot. Elizabeth Slyne Crowley, grandmother of Tim Crowley was a cousin of Michael Collins and her husband Tim Crowley was on active service during the 1916 rebellion

Millstreet Country Park

Over 500 acres of lakes, waterfalls, streams, wetlands, walks, picnic areas, moorlands, arboretum, herb rich meadows, ornamental gardens, archaeological sites, native deer, birds and wildlife all located in Millstreet. Treat yourself to a visit, you will find yourself coming back again and again.

Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Centre

The Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Centre localed on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork on Irelands' Most South-westerly Point. Take in the wonderful sights on your walk out over the stunning Mizen Bridge out to the Signal Station and explore the history of the old station when it was manned.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills

The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Ballincollig invites you to visit their exciting, and unique industrial complex on the banks of the River Lee in Cork, where the manufacture of gunpowder took place from 1794 to 1903.

The West Cork Model Railway Village

Enjoy a visit to The West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty the first of its kind in Ireland. Experience the sights and the sounds of life in West Cork during the 1940's.