Blarney Stone Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Blarney Stone (Stone of Eloquence). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, this is the best tour available right now:

• Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale

Tickets to Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, are €23 for adults, €18 for students and seniors, €11 for young people aged 6–16, and kids under 5 enter for free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs €60. Or choose a shore excursion from Cork tour that includes admission to Blarney Castle, the charming town of Kinsale, and a brief stop in Cobh, starting at US$105.

To avoid crowds, aim to visit in the early morning, right after opening time at 9am, or late afternoon before closing—just note the last entry during winter is 4pm, and 5pm in the summer. Many coach tours arrive after 10am. Checking cruise ship docking schedules can also help because you’ll enjoy shorter lines if you avoid peak arrival times.

Plan at least three hours for your visit, which allows time to kiss the Blarney Stone, stroll the landscaped gardens, and stop by the on-site café. If you’d like to explore more thoroughly—including the poison garden, hidden trails, and the lake walk—allow up to five hours for a relaxed experience.

Yes, kissing the Blarney Stone is safe—staff supervise the process, and visitors hold onto iron rails while leaning backwards over the castle parapet. However, reaching the stone requires climbing a narrow, steep staircase, which is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility issues may find access difficult or uncomfortable.

From Cork city, the most convenient public option is Bus Éireann’s line 215, which departs hourly from St. Patrick’s Street and takes about 25 minutes to reach Blarney village, a short walk from the castle. Driving takes around 17 minutes, while taxis cost approximately €20–25 each way. You can also book a tour, which usually includes transportation.