Blarney Castle’s Gardens are spectacular, and a joy to explore. Don't miss the poison gardens!

Historic Blarney Castle is famous for its stone, which legend tells has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.

Blarney Castle’s gardens are one of the most visited in Ireland. The 60 acres are a joy to explore. Visit the prehistoric Fern Garden, a deadly Poison Garden, and the magical Rock Close with its ancient Yew trees and druidic stones. Make a wish on the famous wishing steps while the waterfall cascades alongside you.

Stroll by the lake, river side and woodlands or in the dazzlingly beautiful arboretums. The gardens are constantly changing, and evolving environment and each visit is a new experience and don’t forget to kiss the famous Blarney Stone which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.

The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk!

Highlights
  • The ‘Poison Garden’ where toxic plants are kept in cage-like structures
  • The Fern Garden & Ice house, a Victorian version of a modern refrigerator!
  • The magical Rock Close with its ancient Yew Trees and druidic stones is a must see
  • A stroll by the lake, river side and woodlands of in the dazzlingly beautiful arboretums
  • The chance to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone
  • Historic Blarney Castle – magical and warlike all at once
Open

Open Year Round

Monday to Saturday

Jan – Feb & Nov – Dec: 09.00 to 17.00

Mar – Apr & Oct: 09.00 to 18.00

May & Sept: 09.00 to 18.30

June – Aug: 09.00 to 19.00

Sundays & Bank Holidays

Nov – Feb: 09.00 to 17.00

Mar – Oct: 09.00 to 18.00

*Last admission – 1 hour before closing

Closed: December 24 and 25
Last admission:  30 minutes before closing
Approx. visit duration: 2 – 3 hours

Prices

Admission Prices 2020

Adult: €18.00
Senior (aged 65+): €14.00
Student (with valid ID): €14.00
Child (aged 8-16): €8.00
Child (under 8): Free
Family (2 adults & 2 children): €45.00

 

Useful Information

Check out their range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

LANGUAGES: Free leaflets and site-map available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Audio guides available in English (fee applies).

DINING/REFRESHMENTS: Cafe and take-away snack hut.

PICNIC: Picnic tables next to the River Martin at the main entrance.

CHILDREN: There are two small playgrounds on the site. There is no charge for any children under 8.  Baby-changing facilities.

SHOPPING: Several shops on-site selling souvenirs and Blarney Castle branded merchandise.

PARKING: Free car parking and coach parking on-site.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Castle is not accessible by wheelchair, but a large parts of the gardens are. Accessible toilets. Disability Parking Spaces. Assistance dogs are permitted.

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Getting There

Blarney Castle is located 8km from Cork City, in the centre of Blarney Village.

Map Location: 51.931316, -8.568492
Contact Blarney Castle and Gardens

Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland


Eircode: T23 Y598
T: +353 (0) 21 438 5252
E: info@blarneycastle.ie
W:
www.blarneycastle.ie

Facebook: @blarneycastleireland
Twitter: @blarney_castle
Instagram: @blarneycastleandgardens