Blarney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Blarney Castle showing flowers, heritage architecture and château or palace
Blarney
Blarney
Blarney
Blarney
Visit this charming town in County Cork and see a famous woolen mill and a 15th-century military stronghold with stunning gardens.

Blarney is steeped in Irish history and bounded by natural beauty. Tour a medieval stronghold, known for its legendary Stone of Eloquence. Wander through the castle’s gardens and see a vast collection of rare plant specimens.

Stroll along a walking trail and enjoy the surroundings of this small village. With a number of golf courses and fishing spots, this peaceful town is great for outdoor activities.

Tour the Blarney Castle and its striking gardens. Climb the castle steps and kiss the Stone of Eloquence. Legend says that doing this will give you the gift of expression. The impressive three-story castle court is at the eastern end of the site. Wander through twisting underground passages and discover the castle’s dungeon.

Take a relaxing stroll through the Blarney Castle Gardens. This large area includes several different gardens, arboretums and waterways. Find a limestone cliff at the end of a grassy path and view the wonderful fern garden. Enter the poison garden and discover a fascinating collection of poisonous plants.

Visit the famous Blarney Woollen Mills, one of the largest craft outlets in Ireland. This building was once a water-powered mill that produced tweeds and woolens. Purchase hand-knit sweaters, crystal glassware and Celtic jewelry on-site. This renowned brand, established in the early 19th century, ships crafts around the world.

Catch a brown trout on the Owennageragh River. The River Martin which flows through the small town is another great fishing spot. Admire the stunning rolling countryside from a number of Blarney’s scenic walking and running trails, including the Martin Valley Trail.

Travel to this small village about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Cork. A range of hotels, guesthouses and farmhouses are available. This quaint town also features a camping and RV park.

If you are visiting Blarney in the summer, tour Blarney House, an outstanding Scottish Baronial mansion built in the late 19th century.

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
Blarney Village, Blarney, Cork
The price is NZ$253 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$253
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Blarney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
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Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2025

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
4 out of 5
John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork, Cork
The price is NZ$197 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$197
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
Cork trip
"We enjoyed our stay at the Maldron. The location was great just round the corner from some lovely bars and restaurants. Staff were really friendly and the breakfast was very good."

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2025

Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork
The Dean Cork
The Dean Cork
4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The price is NZ$240 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$240
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (410 reviews)
"Loved my stay only hated they didn’t have on site parking you do have to walk from the train station parking"

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025

The Dean Cork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Yugo Explore - Lee Point
3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and ...
Budget-style but expensive for what it is.
"As student accommodation, its probably a top rating - but when I first searched for this it stated ApartHotel. When we've stayed in that type, they range from studio flat to a suite of rooms - not a small study bedroom with shared kitchen, dining, lounge! This should be advertised in the Hostel category. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2022

Yugo Explore - Lee Point
3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH Sleeps 8 - WILD ATLANTIC WAY, WITH OCEAN VIEWS ,KINSALE, CORK
3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH Sleeps 8 - WILD ATLANTIC WAY, WITH OCEAN VIEWS ,KINSALE, CORK
Sandycove, Kinsale
Stay at this vacation home in Kinsale. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance ...
9/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
Beautiful , just as described!
"Comfortable, beautiful house, fantastic location! Just perfect! Highly recommend !!!"

Reviewed on 10 Dec. 2024

3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH Sleeps 8 - WILD ATLANTIC WAY, WITH OCEAN VIEWS ,KINSALE, CORK
Copley Court
Copley Court
2 out of 5
Copley St, Cork, CO
Stay at this aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and Lavit Gallery are located nearby.
Copley Court
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Blarney

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Definitely recommend

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Blarney castle is overrated and a cash trap compared to other ruins and castles. The village is very small just a few restaurants and 2 pubs but is very cute

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