Blarney Castle & Gardens — Attraction in Cork

This is absolutely a must-do on the things to see while visiting Ireland. In general the Blarney Castle feels like it was just going to be a major tourist trap, but once we were inside of the gardens, we realized that the 60 acres had so much more to offer. We got lucky and the weather was absolutely beautiful, with partly cloudy skies and no rain.

We started by checking out the gift shop... I actually thought I needed socks, but it ended up being really crowded on the way out, so now I would say this is a PRO TIP to start your visit at the gift shop.

We arrived around 11:30 and grabbed a bite to eat (watch out for the ruthless crows) before venturing off (in hindsight, we probably should've brought our water and rain coats too, but it worked out just fine, luckily...). We immediately got in line for the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone because the line can be upwards of 90 minutes long and if it had been pouring rain, I can't even imagine what that would be like. Our wait was about 30 minutes and went by fast, as they did a great job putting up informational signs along the way to teach you about the 5 different levels of the castle and the history of the castle and gardens.

The castle itself is extremely impressive and the biggest one we've seen, ever. Even if you do not want to kiss the stone, the castle is still pretty cool to see. The stairwell is original and VERY narrow and steep, so I would warn anyone with a fear of heights, claustrophobia, or physically unable to climb back down the stairs, NOT to venture up to the top.

We of course kissed the stone, got our pictures, and explored the castle before heading all the way down. Once the most touristy part of our day was behind us, we casually found our way through the rest of the gardens. Admittedly, we did not see every part but we did work our way around to the poison garden, the fern garden, the bee house, the lake and dock, the Blarney House, the loop around the fairy hideout, the jungle, the waterfall, the rock close, the lookout tower, the caves, AND the bridges on our way out. Details below:

The gardens are so tidy and expansive, really awe-inspiring... and nothing like we've seen before. If you venture off the main path, you'll be rewarded with a secluded walk through vine covered trees in the poison garden, everything in a vibrant green around you. The fern garden is super peaceful and overwhelms you with a sense of calm. The bee house is so cute, especially for kids... You can see the hives and learn a little about their bee habitat (save the bees!). The lake is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear, sunny day. Overall the walk to the lake was long but super relaxing and we still hadn't seen it all! When we got to the Blarney house, there were donkeys, horses and cows in the fields. As we worked our way through the gardens, we came up to the playground and signs to the fairy hideout and again, everything was just so clean, tidy, and beautiful in the ways that nature is. We found some huge trees, spruce (native to CA) and unique archways. Before leaving we took the extra steps to clean through the "jungle" and glad we did because it really wasn't too much farther and we got to see the gorgeous waterfalls. The other areas nearby the castle are the rock close and the lookout tower. Our last stop was the caves... So cool! It was a short walk but you have to bend down the whole time walking through, because it is only about 4.5 feet tall but totally worth it because it is really unique and nice and cool inside.

10/10 recommend the gardens and if we lived locally, then we would definitely get and annual pass.

For more recommendations and tips from our Ireland trip......

This is a difficult one to review because it's such a well known place and unashamedly extremely tourist driven. There's a lot to see from the castle to the grounds and (seasonally) Blarney House.

First up- the castle. There are a few extra bits to see such as the caves and the lookout tower (the dungeons are closed off due to bats nesting) but the main section is the castle. It's a one way route so even if you don't want to kiss the Blarney Stone, you still have to walk the same route. On a Saturday in September, the queue was at the 60 minute mark by 11:30 just to give you an idea. It's narrow and very twisty turny but there are a few rooms to explore. This is one area that I think needs work, the visitor experience in the castle is quite basic with a few signs in the rooms looking a bit worse for wear! The castle is a ruin and so none of the rooms are furnished so you do have to use a bit of imagination! The Blarney Stone- it's not a hold-your-legs deal anymore but you do have to be a little flexible. They have staff there to help (and take the obligatory photo!) but it's not compulsory. On a clear day, the views are lovely so I'd recommend going up there even if you don't want to do the deed! The grounds- The grounds are very extensive with a lot to get around from the Ice House to the Ferns and rock section. You do get a map but it's not always the easiest to work out! We walked around the lake and did part of the woodland walk which was really lovely, very relaxing and a great way to get away from the crowds. I would say it's worth taking your phone and Google maps as not all the tracks are signposted and there's a lot of forks in the trail where it's not clear which is the right way! If you are stuck for time, the woodland walk does take around 90 minutes in all whereas the lake one is a lot quicker! Blarney House- it wasn't open when we visited however I do think it is very seasonal and I was told there is an extra charge for a house tour. It is beautiful to look at, very Scottish! In terms of amenities there are toilets dotted around which seemed clean when I visited. The main gift shop is at the entrance and is quite big with a variety of things for sale from caps to postcards! We did use the cafe which had light bites like sandwiches and drinks. Lots of inside seating but also outdoor tables too. I found the staff a bit brusque but I guess they do deal with a lot...

Visiting the castle was an unforgettable experience and easily one of the highlights of our trip. Honestly, you could spend 3 to 4 hours there and still feel like there’s more to see. The entire grounds are steeped in rich history and packed with jaw-dropping views, hidden corners, and unique stories around every turn.

From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the scale of the place. It’s not just one building—it’s an entire historical complex. Every room, corridor, and tower feels like it’s been frozen in time, and it’s incredibly well-preserved. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves exploring cool places, this castle delivers in every way. The views from the higher vantage points are breathtaking, and you can easily lose track of time admiring the landscape, architecture, and little details that bring the place to life.

One important tip: time your visit to the Blarney Stone carefully. Kissing the stone is iconic, but it can get really busy—especially during peak times, and you might end up waiting up to two hours if you’re not strategic. Try to get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want to avoid the long lines. We got there mid-morning and ended up in a pretty long queue, but it was still 100% worth it. The climb up to the stone is an adventure in itself!

Also, don’t just rush in and out—walk the grounds! The gardens are stunning, and there are so many little features like the Witch’s Stone, the Poison Garden, and all sorts of magical paths and spots that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Even our little one was entertained the whole time.

In short, don’t treat this as a quick stop. Give yourself time to explore, soak it all in, and enjoy everything the castle and its surroundings have to offer. Whether you're snapping photos, learning about its history, or just wandering in awe—this place is an experience you...