Blarney Castle

About the museum

Blarney Castle is a large tower house built nearly six hundred years ago by Cormac MacCarthy of the MacCarthys of Muskerry. It is unusually big for its type, with at least two towers, the second added in the sixteenth century, and walls about 18 feet thick at the base. The battlements hold the Blarney Stone, which tradition says gives the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it, and according to legend it was given to a MacCarthy by Robert the Bruce.

The castle was besieged in the seventeenth century by Lord Broghill, one of Cromwell’s generals, who broke the tower walls with a gun placed on the hill opposite; the garrison had already escaped through underground caves. After the Williamite Wars the estate was forfeited and was eventually sold in 1688 to Sir James St John Jefferyes, Governor of Cork.

Blarney House, the mansion beside the castle, was built in 1874 in the Scots baronial style by the Belfast architect John Lanyon. Today visitors can climb the tower, explore the dungeons, the Badger’s Cave and Rock Close, and walk through the extensive gardens and along the lake. The grounds are open all year.

Highlights

• The Blarney Stone, set in the battlements of the castle tower
• Large medieval tower house with walls 18 feet thick
• Dungeons and caves beneath the castle
• Blarney House, a Scots baronial mansion of 1874
• Gardens, Rock Close and lake walk

Permanent exhibition

• Blarney Castle tower house and Blarney Stone – A tour of the medieval tower house, from the dungeons to the battlements where the Blarney Stone can be kissed.

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the ticket office on arrival. Annual membership is available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle itself is not wheelchair accessible, but part of the grounds and gardens are. Visitors with a disability should alert staff on arrival. An accessible video about the castle and a visual guide are available on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

There is a reduced child ticket for ages 6 to 16 and a family ticket. Children under 8 may kiss the stone at the discretion of staff.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in Blarney village, about 8 km north-west of Cork city. From the city follow signs for Limerick on the N20, travel about 7 km and take the exit signposted Blarney.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

A café (number 12 on the visitor map) and a coffee hut just inside the entrance; there is also a shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit