Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland
Blarney Castle is a Medieval stronghold in Blarney, Ireland, set high on the hills above the village. The last of the 5 castles we visited in our NCL cruise around the British Isles, it was a short drive from the port of Cork/Cobh where our ship was docked.
The MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty dating from 1446, built the current keep. A “keep” is the strongest portion of a medieval fortification and, in case of a siege or attack, is the last resort. Earlier fortifications built on same spot date to 1210. More recently, over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
Its great popularity probably has something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. Kiss the Blarney Stone – and you’ll never again be lost for words.
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Blarney Castle & Gardens Map
Once the stronghold of the Irish McCarthy clan, this romantic castle ruin is set in a sprawling park and features 18-foot thick stone walls. Our 3 hour stop was not nearly long enough to explore and enjoy the entire place. Here is a taste of our experience to encourage you to visit sometime!
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a tower house – the kind of fortification built between the 15th and 17th centuries by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish. Tower houses are typically four or five stories tall with one or two main chambers, along with several ancillary chambers on each floor.
P.C. Skip B. 01 June 2023
Blarney Castle Towers
Blarney Castle is an unusually large tower house comprising at least two towers. The second one was added in the 1500s.
The walls, 18 feet thick at the base, gradually slope inwards as they rise. This not only makes a more stable building, but also provides a stronger defense. An object dropped from the top would bounce off the wall on the way down – and fly outwards into the enemy!
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Blarney Stone
As noted, Blarney Castle is most famous for its renowned Blarney Stone! Legend has it that those who kiss this infamous stone are said to be gifted with the power of eloquence.
The term “blarney” means “beguiling but misleading talk.” It became popular during the 16th century as the MacCarthy of that day attempted to fend off the demands of Queen Elizabeth I. Legends about the Stone’s origin emerged – each one as plausible as the next! The legend that I found most fascinating was that it was brought to Ireland from the Holy Land after the Crusades. It was reported to be the stone pillow used by the Jewish Patriarch Jacob when he dreamed of the ladder extending to heaven with angels descending and ascending on it! (Genesis 28: 10-22)
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Kissing the Blarney Stone…
Kissing the Blarney Stone is not for the weak or faint of heart. For those who choose to climb to the top of the tower to kiss the Blarney Stone, the 110 steps leading to the stone are narrow and steep. Expect long waiting lines. Non-slip footwear is essential. It is not for those who are prone to claustrophobia! We chose not to take advantage of this opportunity, but I understand that the view from the top is breath-taking!
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Machicolations
The Blarney Stone is among what are known as the machicolations of the castle. A machicolation is simply a floor opening between the supporting corbels of a battlement. Through this opening, items could be dropped on attackers at the base of a defensive wall. Ingenious! This could include items such as stones, hot sand, quicklime, boiling water or boiling cooking oil.
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
What to do while waiting in line… Popular Photo Op!
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Blarney Castle Gardens
Between the entrance gates and the distant lake lie 60 acres of delights and beauty waiting to be discovered. A network of paths lead visitors through various gardens, arboretums, and avenues. It provides a constantly evolving environment throughout the changing seasons.
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
The Blarney Castle website video gives a great visual introduction and is worth checking out whether you are preparing for travel in real time or via your armchair blarneycastle.ie/gardens/
P.C. Rose G. fellow traveler. 01 June 2023
Streams of rippling waterfalls, gurgling streams, beautiful flowers and joyful bird songs added to the ambiance of our stroll through part of the gardens to the castle and around the extensive grounds. My favorite was the calla lilies.
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
Cruise Itinerary: Cork/Cobh Port
Our ship docked in Cork (Cobh) and our tour took us by bus to Blarney Castle. Given more time, Cork itself was an interesting place to explore next time we’re in the area!
P.C. Cher B.
Visit
Our visit only made it from the Welcome Center to the castle – but this on-site poster shows the expanse of the estate.
P.C. Cher B. 01 June 2023
TRAVELER TIP: In retrospect, here is what I would recommend as you plan your visit to Blarney Castle. The best place to start is with a visit to Blarney Castle’s website. It is complete and well laid out: Blarneycastle.ie It has everything you need to know – and more. It will help you determine what you want to see and how long you want to spend. Our time with the tour excursion was much too short (3-4 hours max). We walked from the welcome center to the castle. We saw a bit of the gardens but would have loved more time to fully appreciate them. After viewing the video post-trip, we would have liked to explore the gardens much more. Check out: blarneycastle.ie/gardens/ We certainly did not have time to climb the tower for the kiss or the view. The typical 1+ hour wait in line before one even gets to the 100 steps to the top can make it the only thing one has time to do during the tour stop. The Blarney Woollen Mills next door is a great place to shop and have a Irish Coffee or other beverage or snack. We did some power shopping but didn’t have time to browse their interesting items. I would recommend planning on a full day. Get tickets ahead of time. Arrive at the entrance when they open. Hit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone first thing. Allow some time to wander leisurely through the gardens. Finish off with the Blarney Woollen Mills – blarney.com – for some shopping and a drink.
Sources
- Blarneycastle.ie
- On-site informational brochures and placards
- Group Tour Guide lecture prior to visit
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