Blarney Castle
| County: | Co. Cork |
| Tel: | 021-438 5252 |
| Fax: | 021-438 1518 |
| Email: | info@blarneycastle.ie |
Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word “Blarney” was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
In the grounds of the castle the Rock Close, and its surroundings, is a curious place of ancient trees and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of worship in pre-Christian days. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch's Kitchen, Druid's Cave and many other delights,telling a story of centuries past. Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll in one of the country's most spectacular gardens. Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual trees and plants.
General Information
| Address: | Blarney, Co. Cork |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 021-438 5252 |
| Fax: | 021-438 1518 |
| Email: | info@blarneycastle.ie |
| Website: | http://www.blarneycastle.ie |
| Location: | 8km from Cork City |
| Season: | All Year. Closed 24th, 25th December |
| Open Times: | October - April: 9-6 May & September: 9-6.30 June - August: 9-7 (Sundays: 9.30-5.30) |
| Booking Contact: | Jane Forrest |
| Manager: | Linda Fitton |
| Average Visit Length: | 3 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: €12.00 Child: €5.00 Student/OAP: €10.00 Family: €30.00 (2A + 2C) (prices subject to change) |
| Restaurant: | Snack Hut |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Souvenirs, books and crafts |
| Information Guide: | English |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | No |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes, Limited |
| Other: | http://www.facebook.com/HeritageIsland?ref=ts#!/pages/Cork/Blarney-Castle/69604127116?ref=sgm |
Blarney House & Gardens
Blarney House, situated just 200 yards south of the great castle itself, is Blarney's newest treasure. It is one of the most elegant and gracious of the Great Houses of Ireland. A family home now tastefully restored to its former glory.Built in 1874 it is beautifully situated overlooking Blarney Lake. It contains a fine collection of early furniture, family portraits, tapestries and works of art. There are conducted tours of the house which is open during the Summer season. There are numerous woodland walks on the grounds of the Blarney Castle estate, through which winds the River Martin. In the arboretum you will find colorful displays of copper beech, ornamental pear, southern beech, nothofagus and evergreen oaks. Adjacent to the arboretum, one finds the Belgian Beds planted with hybrid azaleas, and a western red cedar tree from British Columbia
Prices from 1st of January 2012
Adult €12
Senior / Student €10
Child €5
Family (2a+2c) €30
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday
May: 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
June-July-August: 9 a.m. to 7 .00p.m.
September: 9 a.m. to 6.30p.m.
October-April: 9 a.m. to 6p.m.or Sundown (Whichever is earliest)
Sundays
Summer: 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Winter: 9.30 a.m. to sundown
LAST ADMISSIONS: 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING
CLOSED ON DECEMBER 24TH AND 25TH
Tour leaders, guides and drivers: no charge.
Tour Leaders must stay with student groups while visiting the Castle,
Otherwise they will not be allowed kiss the stone.
Season Ticket
Everyone who purchases a season pass from October 1st to September 10th, is in with a chance to win a golden ticket. A Golden Ticket will give life time access to Blarney Castle and Gardens.
For more information see Blarney Castle on Facebook
Kiss the Blarney Stone
The Stone of Eloquence: For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence.
Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate!
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