Blarney Castle & Gardens Tours and Tickets

There are lots of ways to experience Blarney Castle and Gardens. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best experiences available right now:

• Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City, and Blarney Castle Guided Tour

• Blarney, Rock of Cashel, and Cahir Castle Day Tour From Dublin

• Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cóbh Heritage Centre by Train

• Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle and Kinsale—Shore Excursion

• 6-Day All Ireland Tour From Dublin Including Accommodation

Blarney Castle entry tickets start from €24 for adults, €19 for students and seniors aged 65 and over, and €12 for children aged 6–12. Kids under 6 enter for free, and discounted packages are available for families. Tickets include full-day access to the castle, gardens, and the famous Blarney Stone. It’s popular in the summer, so it’s worth booking in advance to secure your preferred date.

Yes, many visit to kiss the Blarney Stone to "get the gift of the gab" (eloquence), but there's more to Blarney Castle than a fun photo opportunity. The castle ruins are steeped in history, hiding underground passageways, dungeons, and a tower, and the gardens showcase rare flora from around the world. Many travelers visit the castle on full-day tours from Dublin or Cork that handle all transportation and logistics.

Per one customer who booked the Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City, and Blarney Castle Guided Tour, "I absolutely loved this tour, it's a must-do! The experience was fantastic from start to finish. Both the tour guide and the driver were excellent, making the trip enjoyable, smooth, and memorable."

Ireland’s Blarney Castle and Gardens are open daily for visitors as it’s a popular attraction in Cork County. It’s open from 9am until 4pm every day, but it’s essential to check before your visit to ensure it’s not closed for any reason.

Yes, many travelers visit Blarney Castle to either explore the castle or kiss the Blarney Stone, but the botanic gardens at the grounds are lovely and worth carving some time out for. There are around 60 acres (24 hectares) of garden space with different paths to explore.

If you haven’t booked a tour or tickets in advance that includes your entry and you’re paying onsite, you can expect to pay €20 for an admission ticket to Blarney Castle. However, remember that students, seniors, children, and families get discounted prices. You can also purchase an audio guide if you aren’t part of a tour.

Yes and no—no guided tours are available at Blarney Castle to book the day of your visit, except for an audio tour. However, many tour operators offer guided Blarney Castle & Gardens tours and experiences of the castle and its grounds and gardens. You can also choose to kiss the Blarney Stone while you’re there.

Yes, Blarney Castle is home to the mystical Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is built into the castle and has a legend behind it: if you kiss the stone, you will surely be granted the gift of eloquence. Although this is a fun tradition, it does cost more.

Yes, free parking is available at Blarney Castle and Gardens. It’s easy to park at the castle, and if you’re driving from Cork, the drive is smooth, taking a little more than 20 minutes.

When you're done at Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cork and the surrounding area have a ton of fun things to do. According to other travelers, here are some of the top attractions to visit:

• The English Market

• Midleton Distillery Experience

• St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

• Charles Fort

• Elizabeth Fort

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in and around Cork.