Blarney Castle
Blarney, Ireland
A medieval tower house set in large gardens, famous for the Blarney Stone that visitors lean back to kiss at the top. Arrive early to avoid the queue on the narrow stairs, and leave time to walk the grounds.
The present tower house of Blarney Castle was built in 1446 by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry; an older stone castle stood on the same site around 1210. The tower is about 27 metres high and is now partly a ruin, in which some rooms and the battlements can be visited. The Blarney Stone sits beneath the castle’s machicolations; kissing it is said to bestow the gift of eloquence.
The estate has extensive gardens, including the Poison Garden with plants such as wolfsbane and opium poppy, as well as rock formations with names like the “Druid’s Circle” and the “Witch’s Cave”. Next to the castle stands Blarney House, built in 1874 in the Scottish Baronial style, which can also be visited. Come early in the day to avoid a long wait, and allow several hours for the tower and gardens together.
- Nearest town
- Blarney, Ireland
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 51.9290, -8.5710
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Blarney Caravan Camping ParkMotorhome stopover3 km from Blarney CastleMotorhomes
- Five Foot Way Camper Van FacilityMotorhome stopover20 km from Blarney CastleMotorhomesToiletsWaste disposal
- MotofeirmeCampsite23 km from Blarney Castle · 5 pitchesTentsToiletsFree
- Jasmine Villa Caravan and CampingCampsite23 km from Blarney CastleTentsCaravans
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blarney Castle?
Blarney Castle is in Blarney, Ireland, at GPS 51.9290, -8.5710. It is about 7 km from Cork.
Can you camp near Blarney Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blarney Caravan Camping Park, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Blarney Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cobh (21 km), Kinsale (25 km), Charles Fort (26 km) and Drombeg Stone Circle (54 km).
When is the best time to visit Blarney Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)