About
Blarney is a village in County Cork, in the south of Ireland, a short distance from the city of Cork. It is best known for Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone that sits within it, a stone that visitors traditionally kiss in the hope of gaining eloquence. The legend gives the village its name in everyday speech, and many people arrive with that story already in mind.
What the visit is like
Most people come to Blarney for the castle. The stone is set into the castle's walls, and kissing it is part of the experience, so it suits anyone who enjoys a little local folklore alongside a day out. Because the village is small, the atmosphere tends to be relaxed, and the focus of a trip stays on the castle and its surroundings.
Around the village
- Blarney Castle itself, the reason most visitors make the journey.
- The surrounding countryside of County Cork, which is easy to reach from the village.
- The city of Cork nearby, for a wider choice of places to eat, stay and explore.
Blarney works well as a half-day or day trip, either as a stop on a tour of the south of Ireland or as an outing from Cork. It is a place to go for a specific experience rather than for a long list of sights, and that makes it simple to plan around.