Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a 15th-century tower house near Cork, Ireland, built in 1446 by Cormac Ladir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, on the site of earlier fortifications. The MacCarthy lords held it through the Irish Confederate Wars until it was seized by Parliamentarian forces after a siege in 1646.
Today the roughly 27-metre ruin is one of Ireland's most-visited heritage sites, famous for the Blarney Stone set in the machicolations at the castle's top: visitors hang backwards over a sheer drop to kiss it and, by tradition, gain the gift of eloquence. The surrounding estate features formal gardens and a poison garden. Open to the public.
Visitor information
- Location
- Ireland
- Country
- Ireland
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 51.9289, -8.5708
- Official site
- http://www.blarneycastle.ie/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Blarney Castle?
- Blarney Castle is in Ireland, Ireland (approximately 51.9289, -8.5708).
- Can you visit Blarney Castle?
- Yes — Blarney Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.blarneycastle.ie/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Blarney Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Blarney Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at Blarney Castle?
- Blarney Castle is a 15th-century tower house near Cork, Ireland, built in 1446 by Cormac Ladir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, on the site of earlier fortifications. The MacCarthy lords held it through the Irish Confederate Wars until it was seized by Parliamentarian forces after a siege in 1646.