Blarney Castle/Blarney Stone Reviews (Cork, Ireland)

There's more to Blarney than kissing the stone

Evanston, Illinois

June 24, 2011

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This was our second visit to Blarney Castle, built in the mid-1400's, and we still haven't visited the Castle, which is mostly in ruins and contains the "Stone of Eloquence"! It's the gardens that attract us, with ancient trees and interesting rock ...Read more

From journal A Visit to Ireland

What every tourist seems to want to see...

by rufusni

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

April 13, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo An American friend was coming to stay and emailing back and forth the one must do thing was to go to Blarney Castle. So off we set. Blarney village is just north of Cork, off a main road, so its easily reached. The castle is right in the middle of ...Read more An American friend was coming to stay and emailing back and forth the one must do thing was to go to Blarney Castle. So off we set. Blarney village is just north of Cork, off a main road, so its easily reached. The castle is right in the middle of the village and there is a car park. Entrance fee suggests that this is definitely a tourist trap, but you walk into very pleasant park grounds. At the entrance there is a small shop for souvenirs and a kiosk selling tea and sandwiches. There are toilets here and also close to the castle entrance. You walk across a grassy area which gives probably the best views of the castle. A stream flows through the grounds which is a pleasant addition. There are a few picnic tables and benches scattered around the place as well. There is a steep hill to climb up to reach the castle entrance itself, but this is nothing compared to the stairs to climb the castle.
The big attraction of the castle is the Blarney stone, which you are supposed to kiss, but is arkward to reach. First are the tight, narrow spiral staircases to reach the top of the castle - so don't plan to bring to many belongings with you...and a backpack or over the shoulder bag would make life easier too. Reaching the top, you have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney stone, which involves lying down, gripping on to bars and leaning back over the edge to kiss it. There is a man there to help and instruct you what to do. Modernity has also caught up - they spray anti-bacterial stuff onto the stone between each person. There is a fixed camera that will take a shot of you which you can then buy downstairs, but you can also take your own photo as well but it is more arkward to get a good angle.

There are several different walks signposted around the grounds of varying lengths- but its fun to go into the walled garden and see the witches kitchen and staircase which grants wishes and instructions are given involving climbing backwards down the stairs, which was quite a laugh.

To be honest being here on the off season, mid-week, with only one tour group bus, it was quite pleasant. But one can see in the height to the summer this place could be manic - and we waited less than 5 minutes to kiss the Blarney stone, hoards could mean a longer wait.

The village of Blarney is pleasant enough for a wander around - there is a small supermarket, a few cafes and pubs and a few shops to wander around.

I have to say - I have seen a good number of castles around Ireland and this one was okay - but doesn't make my favourite lists! While I'm not sure I'd write it off as a tourist trap, there are lots of other interesting castles that don't attract the hoards of tourists. As for the longing to kiss the Blarney stone, I never had it before I went, and only for the insistence of my American friend would never have bothered kissing it...but it was on her list of things she wanted to do. Been there once and will probably never return...well until another American visitor insists!
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From journal Cork Dipping

Kissing the Blarney Stone

by Kevinmcc

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

July 26, 2008

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Legend has it that anyone who kisses the Blarney stone will be granted the "gift of the gab" - meaning they will never be lost for words. I don't know the history behind it, but it could be something to do with the garrulous nature of Cork folk.The ...Read more

Blarney Castle

by sizemoretravel

Jacksonville, Florida

February 13, 2008

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Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. People from all over the world flock to the ruins of this castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. It is believed that if you kiss the stone, ...Read more

From journal Tour of Ireland

Blarney Village and Castle

by sccrn123

Gainesville, Florida

August 7, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo Blarney Village and Castle was one of my favorite stops. We stayed at Claragh house, a short way out of the village. We were greeted with tea and coffee cake with walnuts and homemade whipped cream. We arrived at Blarney Castle at around 4 pm. A ...Read more

From journal Two Weeks Around Ireland by car

The Blarney Castle

by qobp

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

October 4, 2005

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The Blarney Castle is a must-see attraction. Even though you need to hang upside-down in order to kiss the Blarney Stone, it's still fun to watch family and friends kiss a stone that millions of people have kissed.

From journal 10-Day Trip to Ireland

Blarney Castle

by afrank76

Vernon Hills, Illinois

October 4, 2005

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We took a bus from Dublin because we're cheap. It was a long, long, long ride. Get there some other way, but go. The castle and the grounds are amazing, although the climb to the top of the castle is a little scary, seeing as how the stairs ...Read more

From journal 4 Days In Dublin

Blarney Castle

by axxiz_mutatiz

MEXICO CITY, Mexico

September 30, 2005

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A very nice place to visit, Blarney's Castle was built in the 1200; it is said that Blarney saved an old woman from drowning, and in exchange, she gave him a stone with a spell that he placed in his castle--this stone would give the gift of ...Read more

From journal GGE Cork Week 2.- Blarney and Bentley Bay, Ireland

The Blarney Castle

by ReachForAStar

Meridian, Idaho

July 27, 2005

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Stop at the Blarney Castle to reach the legendary stone, and to receive the "gift of the gab," you'll have to climb the steps of the castle, lean backwards under the parapet wall, and kiss the stone upside-down. You'll also see the ancient ruins of ...Read more

From journal Ireland: Country of Green Rolling Hills

Kissing the Blarney Stone

by MalervyC

Norristown, Pennsylvania

March 16, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo We woke up one morning and decided to take the train to Cork to see the infamous Blarney Castle. The metro train cost 35 pounds and took about 2 1/2 hours. The train ride was wonderful; the Irish landscape is so lush and green. Once we got to Cork, ...Read more

From journal Bubblin' In Dublin

IgoUgo

Blarney Castle/Blarney Stone

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There's more to Blarney than kissing the stone

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There's more to Blarney than kissing the stone

What every tourist seems to want to see...

Kissing the Blarney Stone

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Blarney Castle

The Blarney Castle

Kissing the Blarney Stone

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