Blarney Castle: Yes, it’s Worth It

Why is Blarney Castle so well known?

Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle is a fortified tower house with the largest tower built in the 1500s. Though historical figures like Cormac McCarthy king of Munster and his line inhabited Blarney, the major draw of the castle isn’t necessarily it’s history. Instead, it revolves around the mystical Blarney stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to any who kisses it. This gift of gab became so synonymous with the castle that anyone who is a little too glib and convincing may be said to be talking blarney.

There are many legends surrounding the stone’s origin. Some say it was a portion of Scotland’s legendary Stone of Scone, given to Cormac McCarth by Robert the Bruce after his support in the battle of Bannockburn.

Others say it was brought over from the Holy Land and was the stone on which the prophet Jacob rested his head when he dreamed about the famous ladder. Some legends say that a witch told Cormac McCarthy of the stone’s powers after he saved her from drowning in a river. Still others claim that it was the stone that the queen of the fairies wept on when she found her dead lover slain in battle and that her tears imbued it with its magical properties. Whatever the stone’s true origins, this is the main draw to the famous castle.

What is the Castle like?

The castle stands on a hill overlooking vast grounds drenched in greenery. If you want to see inside the castle and kiss the famous Blarney stone, you have to stand in line along the path that winds itself around the base of the castle. Much like the lines in an amusement park, occasional posts along the way tell you the estimated wait time to reach the famous stone.

For my own trip to Blarney Castle, I entered the line at the estimated 2-hour mark. While the line did move 15-20 minutes faster than the approximation, it still took over an hour and a half to reach the top. Depending on when you arrive at the castle, it could be quite a long wait, so prepare yourself.

As you reach the gates of the castle, you begin to see informational signs that explain some of the history of Blarney, from the wars that led to the construction of the castle to the features and secrets of its rooms. Many guests audibly yelled when they came across “the murder hole,” a grate in the roof of the castle entryway where medieval guards could pour down scalding liquid (or employ other murderous devices) to get rid of unwelcome guests.

Inside, Blarney is a partial ruin with old stones walls that are covered in lichen and crumbling facades. The cool air and dim light seep through barred windows as you wind your way through the barren rooms. Eventually, you are led to a 125-step spiral staircase. The steps are uneven, both in wear and in height. The dizzying spiral narrows as it nears the top, and the constant turning, close quarters, and uneven footing can put you off balance. However, the slow pace makes the high climb surprisingly manageable, though you might be sore the next day.

After you emerge from the spiral staircase, you are treated to a walk along the battlements of the tower. Here you can experience breathtaking views of the expansive grounds, from brilliant green fields to rolling streams, to a view of the manor house peaking through the trees.

What is it like to kiss the Blarney stone?

Kissing the Blarney stone is an adventure all on its own. The stone is located on a wall below the battlements, 85 feet up in the air. To kiss it, you must lay down on your back and stretch over a gap in the wall. A helper from the castle guides you out over the drop (don’t worry, there’s a grate there, not just open air). While the helper keeps you steady, you grasp two metal handholds on the battlement wall to pull yourself back and upside down so you can kiss the worn stone. If you’re like me (short), you may have to stretch quite a bit to actually graze the Blarney stone. But don’t give up. You can make it.

Even knowing the safety measures, I was quite shaky after that kiss over the drop. The stone is regularly cleaned, but not after every kiss.

And --being a bit of a germaphobe-- I’d be lying if I said I didn’t put a bit of hand sanitizer on my lips afterward. Hopefully, I didn’t wash away the gift of eloquence the stone is meant to bestow. If you do the same, I won’t judge.

For me, taking part in the history of a centuries-old legend and the adrenaline rush of hanging over that drop made for an exciting experience. But the stunning views and the glimpse into history are really what makes the wait up to the top worth the time. After you kiss the stone, you are welcome to explore the remaining rooms of the castle. The rooms are empty, but it is still interesting to see how different the lives of the former residents were from our own.

What else can you do at Blarney Castle?

As interesting as the castle can be, a trip to Blarney is wasted if you don’t explore the expansive grounds. From the poison gardens to the riverside walk, the gorgeous landscapes will transport you to another world.

My main goal for garden exploration was to reach The Rock Close, the oldest part of the Blarney gardens. Stepping through the stone wall that defines The Rock Close is like walking directly into a fairytale. Everything inch of the garden was bursting with life. Almost every surface was covered in plants and trees, or growing with moss, lichen, or climbing vines. They grew on rocks, on tree trunks, on the forest floor. This may not be unusual if you live in the American South, but being raised in the desert, I found the amount of greenery amazing and even healing.

The wild beauty of this garden is supported by legendary features. From the druid altar where ancient people practiced their rituals to the witch’s stone which is said to imprison a witch until nightfall, the entire area is soaked in myth. A set of stone stairs called the wishing steps is said to grant wishes if you can walk up and down the stairs with your eyes closed while thinking of nothing but your wish. Some versions of the legend say you must walk up and down backwards on top of it.

I didn’t make a wish. I’m clumsy enough without being blind and on uneven footing, so I didn’t dare attempt it. But I followed the wishing steps down to a waterfall and began to explore the boardwalk before taking a less distinct path deeper into the trees. Little touches like mysterious wood structures and mushroom shaped stools continued the magic of this beautiful landscape. Away from the castle itself, the crowds thinned which only added to the surreal feeling of this beautiful place. This, in my opinion, is what really makes Blarney Castle a standout attraction and will make your trip to Ireland complete.

Between the history, the mythology, and the serene gardens, Blarney Castle is a must-see experience that is well worth the time. And that’s no Blarney.

Notes to Prepare

If you have mobility issues or claustrophobia, you might want to avoid touring the castle. The steps can be difficult to manage, and the number of people in tight spaces make for very close quarters.
The weather in Ireland can change rapidly. It went from sunny to cloudy to downright frigid within an hour. I’d recommend you bring a bag where you can stash an extra jacket for when the weather changes.
I’d also recommend bringing snacks and a bottle of water in that backpack, especially if you’re going to wait in line to kiss the Blarney stone. Just remember to take all of your trash out with you or dispose of it in a designated bin.
Take your time to wander. You may come across something beautiful you never would have expected to see.