As well as the blarney stone, Blarney Castle is famous for “the Gift of the Blarney “

Blarney Castle home of the Blarney stone, was converted from its original 10th century timber hunting lodge to a stone castle in 1210. The third and presnt castle, of which the keep still remains was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster In 1446.

The Castle remained the ancestral stronghold of the McCarthy family until the arrival of Oliver Cromwell with cannon guns in 1646. In 1661, Blarney castle reverted back to the McCarthys after King Charles II ascended the English throne.

In 1690 after the battle of Boyne , the McCarthys were once again evicted from Blarney castle when all Irish chiefs were stripped of their powers. Thirteen years later in 1703, Blarney was sold to Sir James Jefferyes, governor of Cork.

Blarney's most famous relic and one of Ireland's most famous tourist attractions is the Blarney stone, situated high up in the battlements of the castle. The stone is thought to be the other half of the stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed to have special powers and was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn (You remember Mel Gibson and Braveheart).

As well as the blarney stone, Blarney Castle is famous for “the Gift of the Blarney “ which had its origins after Queen Elizabeth I wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, handled every Royal request with subtle diplomacy, promising loyalty to the Queen without "giving in". Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney", thus giving rise to the legend.

With just one kiss of the Blarney stone you too can acquire this gift of eloquence. A warning though - You may be talking Blarney for the remainder of your years. There is no known cure!!!

Tourist Information

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday:

May: 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Jun-Jul-Aug: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept: 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Oct-Apr: 9 a.m. to sundown (or 6 p.m.)

Sundays:

Summer: 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Winter: 9.30 a.m. to sundown

Last Admissions: 30 minutes before closing

The Castle is open for the entire year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

ADULT ADMISSION: Euro 7  SENIOR CITIZENS: Euro 5  CHILDREN (8 - 14 years): Euro 2.50   FAMILY (2 Adults, 2 Children): Euro 16

TOUR LEADERS, GUIDES, DRIVERS: No charge

Tour Leaders must stay with student groups while visiting the castle, otherwise they might not be allowed kiss the stone.

Guide books are available in French, English and German.