Blarney Castle

Castle in Cork

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ryanhuntmuzik

Blarney Castle, located in the town of Blarney in County Cork, is a historic fortress with origins dating back to the 13th century when a timber house was first constructed on the site. This structure was later replaced by a stone fortification around 1210. The current keep, which stands today, was built in 1446 by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, the Lord of Muskerry, from the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a branch of the Kings of Desmond.

Blarney Castle played a significant role during the Irish Confederate Wars when it was besieged by Parliamentarian forces led by Lord Broghill in 1646. The castle was eventually restored to Donough MacCarty, who was made the 1st Earl of Clancarty after the Restoration. However, during the Williamite War in the 1690s, the castle was seized, and the 4th Earl of Clancarty was captured, leading to the confiscation of his lands, including Blarney Castle, by the Williamites.

Over the centuries, Blarney Castle changed hands multiple times, with various owners adding their touches to the castle and its surroundings. In the early 18th century, Sir James Jeffreys, the governor of Cork City, purchased the castle, and it remained in his family until the mid-19th century.

Today, Blarney Castle is a popular tourist attraction, renowned for the Stone of Eloquence, also known as the Blarney Stone. Visitors can hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is believed to grant the gift of eloquence.

The castle is surrounded by extensive gardens featuring natural rock formations with whimsical names such as Druid’s Circle, Witch’s Cave, and the Wishing Steps. The grounds also include a poison garden, which contains various poisonous plants such as wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin, and opium, as well as cannabis. Additionally, Blarney House, located on the estate, is open to the public.

The Blarney Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Cork!

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Visiting Blarney Castle

Hours:

Jan/Feb/Mar 9.00am – 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Apr 9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep 9.00am to 6.00pm (Last Admission 5.00pm)

Oct 9.00am to 5.30pm (Last Admission 4.30pm)

Nov/Dec 9.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.00pm)

Price:

Adult €22

Address: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Blarney, Cork, Ireland

Duration: 20 minutes

Official Website