A 15th-century tower house perched above 60 acres of enchanting gardens, home to the legendary Blarney Stone — kiss it and gain the gift of eloquence, but the gardens alone are worth the trip.
Climb 128 steep, narrow spiral steps to the castle battlements, then lie back and lean out over the parapet to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence. A staff member holds you in place and two photos are taken. Children under 8 are at staff discretion.
Wander through the roofless tower house at your own pace. Discover the Great Hall with its 17th-century fireplace, the dungeon, the kitchen, the Priests Room, and the Banqueting Hall. The walls are 18 feet thick at the base — built for serious defence.
An education in the deadly: this walled garden displays poisonous plants from around the world, including caged specimens of deadly nightshade, wolfsbane, and poison ivy. Informative labels explain the risks and folklore of each plant.
The oldest and most atmospheric part of the gardens. An ancient druidic settlement with moss-covered limestone outcrops, a witch's kitchen, sacrificial altar, and the wishing steps. Mystical and deeply atmospheric.
A lush, shady valley filled with towering tree ferns (Dicksonias) imported from the other side of the world. The old ice house sits at its heart — once used to store winter ice for the estate.
A spectacular 100-metre double herbaceous border capped with an 80-metre rose pergola. At its peak through summer, this is a riot of colour and scent.
The gardens hold an exceptional collection of specimen trees, some among the largest of their kind in Ireland. Wander through the Himalayan Valley, Vietnamese Woodland, and the Pinetum to see rare rhododendrons, magnolias, and towering conifers.
A Scots baronial-style mansion built in 1874, open to visitors from June through August (Monday–Saturday, 10am–2pm). Its striking architecture contrasts with the medieval castle — look for the neoclassical porch and conical turret roofs.
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