Blarney CastleEstate
Near Cork, Ireland
Home of the world famous Blarney Stone to gain the gift of eloquence. Enjoy
the beautiful gardens and surroundings followed by a refreshing break in the
Stable Yard Cafe or Castle Shop. Be sure to bring your camera along!
History
In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster of which the keep still remains standing.
He is said to have supplied four thousand men from Munster to supplement the forces of Robert the Bruce at the
battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Legend has it that the latter king gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy in
gratitude. This, now known as the Blarney Stone, was incorporated in the battlements where it can now be
kissed.
The Earl of Leicester was commanded by Queen Elizabeth I to take possession of the castle. Whenever he
endeavoured to negotiate the matter McCarthy always suggested a banquet or some other form of delay, so that
when the queen asked for progress reports a long missive was sent, at the end of which the castle remained
untaken. The queen was said to be so irritated that she remarked that the earl’s reports were all ‘Blarney’.
Read more about the gold plate at the bottom of the lake, the building of the Georgian gothic house ruined by
fire and the present owners here
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.
Once upon a time, visitors had to
be held by the ankles and lowered
head first over the battlements.
Today, we are rather more
cautious of the safety of our
visitors. The Stone itself is still set
in the wall below the battlements.
To kiss it, one has to lean
backwards (holding on to an iron
railing) from the parapet walk.
The prize is a real one as once
kissed, the stone bestows the
gift of eloquence.
Castle Gardens
Head gardener Adam Whitbourn
designed the gardens. The 60 acres
of 6 spectacular gardens are a joy
to explore.
Visit the prehistoric fern garden; a
deadly poison garden and the
magical rock close with its ancient
yen trees and druidic stones
Stroll by the lakeside and
woodlands or in the beautiful
arboretums. The wildlife includes
red squirrels, foxes and rabbits
while an historical village can also
be visited close by.
StableYard Cafe
After enjoying beautiful walks
throughout our gardens why not
sample some freshly made cakes
and a cream tea or the Guinness
stew, sausage rolls, pizza slices or
large range of gluten free snacks?
Blarney CastleShop
Blarney CastleShop
Here you will find something for
everyone – each item handpicked
with the charm, quality and
quirkiness you’d expect from
Blarney Castle. From exclusive
gifts for him and her, through to
garments, paintings, souvenirs
and mementos. All items are
Photography
Photography Awards to celebrate
the famous castle plus the magical
landscape and gardens to
encourage tourists and the local
community to take part.
Photography courses are often
