Blarney Castle Cork Ireland

Blarney Castle is a medieval castle located in the village of Blarney, about 5 km northwest of Cork in Ireland. It is known for its Blarney Stone, a block of bluestone built into the battlements of the castle. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of eloquence. The castle dates from at least the 13th century and was the seat of the MacCarthy clan. The castle was sacked by Oliver Cromwell in 1646. In 1690, the castle was almost destroyed by fire and remained uninhabitable until it was restored in 1824 by the 3rd Baron of Blarney.

Blarney Castle Cork Ireland

Blarney Castle Cork Ireland Summary

  • Attraction: Blarney Castle Cork
  • Country: Ireland
  • Continent: Europe
  • Capital Name: Dublin
  • Language: English and Irish (Gaelic)

Blarney Castle Cork Ireland is a fantastic place to visit for many reasons. The castle has a rich history, dating back to the early 1300s and is a picture book fortress located on the stunning green grounds of Blarney Park. Inside, visitors can explore the 15th-century castle with its winding stone staircases and chambers full of secret passageways and surprises. The most popular attraction, however, is the Blarney Stone, where visitors can kiss it and claim the gift of eloquence bestowed upon all who brave the challenge. This magical experience, along with the Blarney Castle grounds and the town of Blarney, make it a great destination for those seeking a unique Irish experience.

Tell Us About Blarney Castle Cork Ireland

History

The story of Blarney Castle dates back to the 13th century when a local chieftain named Cormac MacCarthy built a wooden fort upon the site. He later built a large stone fortification, the exact date of which is not known, that later became known as Blarney Castle.

From the late 15th century to the early 17th century, the castle was controlled by the powerful MacCarthy clan, who made it their principal seat. From this period, the most notable family member was Sir Roger MacCarthy of Blarney (d. 1599), who was made Lord of Muskerry.

In 1646, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was sacked by Oliver Cromwell’s forces as part of their campaign against Irish Catholic landowners. The castle was almost destroyed by fire in 1690 and remained uninhabitable until it was restored in 1824 by the 3rd Baron of Blarney.

The Blarney Stone

The most famous feature of Blarney Castle is the Blarney Stone, a block of bluestone built into the battlements of the castle. The origins of the stone date back to the 15th century when it was believed to have magical properties. The legend of the stone is that anybody who kisses it will be endowed with the “gift of the gab,” or the ability to persuade and influence others.

The Blarney Stone has been a popular tourist draw since the 19th century. The stone is reached by climbing to the top of the castle, where visitors must lean backwards over the battlements and kiss the stone.

Conclusion

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every year who come to see the amazing architecture and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Whether or not the legend is true, these visitors can attest to its popularity and the interesting history of the castle.

What Things to do in Blarney Castle Cork Ireland?

Things to do in Blarney Castle Cork Ireland:

  1. Kiss the Blarney Stone: Test your courage and kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone. It’s said to give you the gift of the gab.
  2. Visit the Blarney House: Enjoy a tour of the impressive Blarney House, the ancestral home of the McCarthy family.
  3. Have a picnic: Take advantage of the beautiful parkland and picnic around the castle grounds.
  4. Walled Gardens: Explore the landscaped Walled Garden and its secret grottos.
  5. Rock Close: Stroll through the mystical Rock Close with its Druid stones and witch’s kitchen.
  6. Blarney Castle: Take a tour of the historical Blarney Castle and its impressive grounds.
  7. Blarney Woollen Mills: Stop off at the Blarney Woollen Mills, with its beautiful Irish products.
  8. Take in the views: Stop to admire the picturesque views while walking along the River Lee.
  9. Mahon Falls: Climb to the top of the Mahon Falls to enjoy the stunning panoramic view.
  10. Blarney Tour Park: Visit the Blarney Tour Park to learn more about the history and mythology of the area.

What are Best Foods at Blarney Castle Cork Ireland?

Some of the best foods to try at Blarney Castle Cork are:

  1. Spiced beef – a traditional dish of salted beef, usually served with cabbage and potatoes.
  2. Irish stew – a hearty stew consisting of a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and lamb or beef.
  3. Cullen Skink – a smoked haddock-based soup served with potatoes and onions.
  4. Soda bread – a sweet, slightly salty type of bread made with buttermilk.
  5. Irish cheese and onion pie – layers of pastry filled with cheddar cheese and chopped onions.
  6. Seafood chowder – a creamy, thick soup of fish and shellfish.
  7. Steak and kidney pie – a savoury pie filled with steak and kidney in gravy.
  8. Shephard’s pie – a traditional Irish dish made from mince meat and mashed potatoes.
  9. Traditional Irish breakfast – a full English-style breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, and white pudding.
  10. Smoked salmon – delicious Irish smoked salmon served with brown bread and butter.

What are Best Hotels to Stay in Blarney Castle Cork Ireland?

The best hotels to stay in Blarney Castle Cork Ireland:

  1. Blarney Castle Hotel, Cork
  2. Cork International Hotel
  3. Hayfield Manor
  4. The Kingsley Hotel Cork
  5. The Ambassador Hotel Cork
  6. The Metropole Hotel
  7. Ashley Park House
  8. Rochestown Park Hotel
  9. Noel Arms Hotel
  10. Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel

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