Blarney Castle: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

Visit one of Ireland’s most popular attractions on a Blarney Castle day trip from Dublin. Explore the historic castle, which dates from the mid-15th century, and tour the atmospheric and extensive gardens.

Take the the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and be endowed with the “gift of the gab.” A Blarney Castle day tour is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Ireland.

How to get to Blarney Castle from Dublin?

Located in County Cork in the very south of Ireland, Blarney Castle is around 250 kilometers from Dublin. It can be reached by road or rail in around 2.5 to four hours.

From Dublin to Blarney Castle by car

The journey from Dublin to Blarney Castle by car is approximately 260 kilometers and takes from 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. It is a very easy route especially if you take the motorway.

Simply follow the M7 from Dublin for around 95 kilometers then take the M8 (Cork/Durrow) all the way to Cork. Next, take the N20 and R617 to Blarney.

From Dublin to Blarney Castle by bus/train

It is possible to reach Blarney Castle by both bus and train. By train is the quickest of the two and takes around two hours and 40 minutes to Cork. Trains depart Dublin Heuston Station every hour on the hour.

The same journey by bus takes around three hours and departs from Dublin Aston Quay each hour. From Cork you will need to make the short journey by local bus to Blarney Castle.

Guided tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin

A guided tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin is the easiest way to travel and includes pickup from your hotel, or a city center meeting point, as well as all transportation for the day.

How much does the entrance ticket to Blarney Castle cost?

Most Blarney Castle day trips will include entry fees in the price. In case they do not, the prices are as follows.

• Adults (16+): €18
• Seniors/students: €14
• Children (8 to 16):  €8
• Children under 8: free
• Family of four (two adults and two children): €45

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin?

A Blarney Castle day trip from Dublin will begin with collection from your hotel or a convenient location in the city. Here you will meet your guide and board the bus before making the journey to Blarney Castle, calling at interesting sites along the way.

The first stop on the excursion may be the historic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary where you will have a little time to explore the ruined hilltop fortification.

Return to the bus and make the short journey to Blarney Castle. Here you can stroll through the buildings and exotic gardens, and climb the tower to kiss the famous Blarney Stone if you wish.

The final stop on the tour is Cahir Castle, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved castles in the country. Learn a little about the history of the site before boarding the bus for the return trip to Dublin.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Blarney Castle?

There are plenty of excursions to pick from when choosing a Blarney Castle day trip from Dublin.

Guided tours to Blarney Castle from Dublin

Take a full-day group tour from Dublin to discover Blarney Castle. Explore other interesting and historic sights along the way and enjoy live commentary from a professional guide. These tours include all transportation and, usually, entrance fees to the attractions you will visit.

Private tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin

Take a private trip to Blarney Castle for just yourself and your group. These tours are the most customizable of all the excursions and the schedule can usually be altered to your preferences. Visit the places you want to and benefit from the undivided attention of your personal guide.

Day trip to Blarney Castle plus Cork from Dublin

Visit Blarney Castle and see the sights, including the famous Blarney Stone and gardens. See the picturesque scenery in the Golden Vale of County Cork and visit the city of Cork to explore at your leisure. A Blarney Castle and Cork day tour is bound to be an interesting sightseeing day!

Multi-day tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin

If you want to take your time and explore the region at a slower pace, why not consider a multi-day trip to Blarney Castle and County Cork. Choose from 2-, 3- and 4-day tours which visit some of the best local attractions such as the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the famous Irish whiskey distilleries.

How much does a tour to Blarney Castle from Dublin cost?

The price of Blarney Castle tours can vary depending on the length of the tour and if you choose a private or group excursion. Private tours are charged per group and cost from €750 to €1,350 for a single day trip.

Group tours are the cheapest and cost in the region of €70 to €130 per person. Multi-day tours start at €120 per person for a 2-day jaunt and go up to around €920 per person for a 5-day trip.

What will you see and do in Blarney Castle?

Many people make the trip to Blarney Castle to see the famous Blarney Stone. There are plenty more interesting sights to see though, including the exotic gardens, caves and dungeons and the castle itself.

Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is one of Ireland’s most popular landmarks. Legend has it that those who kiss the famous stone will be endowed with eloquence or the “gift of the gab.”

The mysterious origins of the stone has produced many legends also. It is commonly believed the Blarney Stone was gifted to the King of Munster by Robert the Bruce as a thank you for Irish support in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Blarney Castle

The current Blarney Castle dates back to the 1400s but sits on the site of a much older fortress. There is a lot to see and discover here, including a fascinating history of kings, noblemen and hidden treasure.

Visit Rock Close in the Castle grounds to discover the Wishing Steps and the Witch Stone. Learn the mysteries of Badger’s Cave and see the underground labyrinth that acted as the castle dungeons.

Castle gardens

The gardens are one of Blarney Castle’s most spectacular attractions. As well as beautifully landscaped flower gardens and woodlands, there are also some unusual plant collections here to discover. The Poison Garden exhibits all manner of toxic but fascinating plants from around the world.

There are also gardens dedicated to ferns and plants of the Himalayas, as well as jungle species and a bog garden, all set in 60 acres of atmospheric landscape.

When is Blarney Castle open over the year?

Blarney Castle is open seven days a week and all year round, except Dec. 24 and 25.

What are the opening times?

The castle is open from 9 AM every day. It closes around 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in the summer months.

When is the best time to visit Blarney Castle?

The best time to take a Blarney Castle day trip is between the months of June and September. Though this is the busiest time of year, the weather will be at its finest, and the castle gardens and surrounding countryside at their best.

Travel tips

• Be sure to book your Blarney Castle excursions in advance as these tours are popular and can sell out.
• Pack an umbrella or light raincoat even in the summer months as the weather here can be unpredictable.
• If you are traveling with infants you may be required to bring an infant seat for the bus.
• Pack some lunch and water to enjoy along the way as these tours include a lot of traveling.