15 Fun Things To Do In Blarney, Ireland (For 2024)

Are you looking for fun things to do in Blarney? 

Blarney is a beautiful small town located 8-km north west of Cork which is a good side trip from the city and 260-km southwest of Dublin.

Due to its historic past, Blarney is a popular Irish tourist destination. There many things to do in this town. So if you are planning to visit Blarney, here are the top 10 things to do in this town.

15 Fun Things To Do In Blarney, Ireland (For 2024)

1. Visit the Blarney Village Center 

The beautiful rolling countryside is dominated by the famous square surrounded by various restaurants, bars, and shops. There are several homes in Tudor Style around the square which adds charm to this town center. Enjoying a drink or two in one of the town’s pubs is a popular activity for tourists after sightseeing.

2. Explore Blarney Castle

One of Ireland’s most popular castles and a day trip from Dublin is Blarney Castle. Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. 

Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee: €16 for adult, €13 for student and seniors, and €40 for the family. For more information regarding booking, click here. 

Email: info@blarneycastle.ie

Phone: +353 21 4385252

Buy your ticket online here.

3. Kiss Blarney Stone

In order to get the gift of eloquence, for over 200 years many famous people from around the world climb the stairs to kiss the famous Blarney stone. There is an ongoing debate over the story of Blarney stone but no one has been able to prove the origin of the stone. The Blarney Stone is located in Blarney Castle.

Location: Blarney, Cork, Ireland

Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm

Admission Fee: €16 for adult, €13 for student and seniors, and €40 for the family. For more information regarding booking, click here. 

Email: info@blarneycastle.ie

Phone: +353 21 4385252

4. Explore Blarney House and Gardens

Blarney House is a Scottish Baronial mansion that was designed by John Lanyon. It is located in the middle of parklands and open to the public during summer months. It is located about 200m South of the castle and overlooking the Blarney lake.

The mansion boasts lovely gardens around it with Poison Garden being the most popular. The Poison Garden contains an interesting and educational collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (only during summer season)

Admission Fee: €16 for adult, €13 for student and seniors, and €40 for a family.

Email: info@blarneycastle.ie

Phone: +353 21 4385252

5. Relax at the Inspirational Gardens

Only 17 minutes away from the center of Blarney is the Inspirational Gardens. It is a display of 13 inspirational gardens. The garden was basically designed to inspire people to design their own garden in a unique way. These gardens in Griffins Garden Centre boasts a beautiful view overlooking the banks of Dripsey River.

Location: Griffins Garden Centre, Restaurant & Homestore, Dripsey, Co. Cork

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Admission Fee: free

Email: info@griffinsgardencentre.ie

Phone: +353 (0)21 7334286

6. Have a picnic at Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary

It lies on the outskirts of Blarney. Here you will find at least 100 acres of beautiful alkaline wetlands that were once a deep lake. It is known as the remnant of the last ice age. The sanctuary is a popular walking trail and picnic spot for the locals.

7. Enjoy the Martin valley trail to Waterloo

Martin valley trail is a popular walking trail in Blarney that offers a panoramic view of the meadows and river. It is a 2.6-kilometer walking trail alongside the River Martin.

8. Learn about Old Muskerry tram route

You will find the Muskerry tram route if you walk west toward the tower of the castle. The Muskerry Railway is another fascinating piece of Blarney Castle history. It was built to help connect Blarney to Cork and bring more tourists into the town. It was closed down in 1934 after serious damage and road competition.

9. Explore the Farran Forest Park

It is a public park located on the south side of Innsicarra lake. It is about 25 minutes away from the town of Blarney but it’s worth the extra travel.  You can enjoy an exciting and beautiful woodland walk and it is also a perfect location for a family picnic. There’s also a wildlife enclosure that holds a herd of deer, ducks and other wildlife.

Location: Coillte Teo, Bowl Road, Macroom, Cork Republic of Ireland

Opening Hours: 8am to 9pm during summer and 8am to 5:30pm during winter

Admission Fee: none but parking fee is €5

Email: info@coillteoutdoors.ie

Phone: +353 26 42837

10. Learn the history of Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills

The Gunpowder Mills in Ballincollig are easily one of the most interesting historical buildings in all of Cork. It is also the largest industrial archaeological site in Ireland. It is a 50-hectare park with historical 19th-century mills which produced about 16000 barrels of gunpowder. Aside from the historical buildings, the park also offers a scenic riverside walk.

Location: Coolroe, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland

Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm

Admission Fee: free

Email: parkusage@corkcoco.ie

Phone: +353 21 4276891

11. Discover the Blarney Woollen Mills

Blarney Woollen Mills, formerly referred to as Mahony’s Mills, was constructed in 1823 and gave vital employment to the inhabitants of Blarney and neighboring areas.

Prices are acceptable, although more than those of certain tourist-oriented chains. Don’t be afraid to stop by: the business features a restaurant and a tea room, perfect for a quick break before embarking on new adventures in the area.

12. Satisfy your Palate at Blairs Inn

Blairs Inn is a family-owned and operated pub and restaurant. They strive to serve the best freshly cooked Irish products in a comfortable and pleasant setting.

Anyone who visits Blair’s Inn for the first time knows why it has received several honors and excellent reviews. Their cuisines are distinguished for their inventive blends.

The core components of their much-talked-about food, which is enjoyed in the room, bar, and restaurant, are excellent Kenmare fish and Cork farm vegetables.

The Blair’s specializes in high-quality, freshly cooked, locally produced food presented in a welcoming and comfortable setting. Blair’s Inn is great for a romantic dinner or a get-together with friends.

13. Travel to Crawford Art Gallery

Crawford Art Gallery operates as a national cultural institution focused on the creative arts, both historic and modern, housed in a notable heritage building in the center of Cork City.

The gallery’s collection of over three thousand pieces, spanning from eighteenth-century Irish as well as European pieces of art to modern video installations, makes it well worth a visit.

The ancient Crawford Art Gallery building is an oasis of serenity and tranquillity in the midst of Cork City. The gallery welcomes local, national, and international visitors and has a distinguished Café in gorgeous settings, providing fresh local products for which Cork is famed.

14. Have Fun Outdoor Activities at the Blarney Golf Club

Blarney Golf Club provides a tough and thrilling experience for all levels of golfers. Blarney Golf Club, established in 2006, is situated in the picturesque Shournagh Valley, just a short distance from the internationally recognized Blarney Stone and about 10 kilometers from Cork City.

Since the club’s inception in 2006, they have expanded and solidified its place on the Irish golfing map, becoming a club with over four hundred participants with aspirations to be a competitive powerhouse.

15. Savor Different Flavors at Blarney Chocolate Factory

The Blarney Chocolate business is a tiny artisanal chocolate business known for producing high-quality chocolates. The factory provides tours and tastings, making it an excellent spot to gain knowledge about the chocolate-making operation and try some delectable chocolates.

Where to Stay in Blarney

Beechwood House Accommodation

Location: Station Road, Blarney, Ireland

Beechwood House Accommodation is located in Blarney, 1.9 kilometers from Blarney Stone and 5.5 km from Blarney Castle. It has a garden and complimentary WiFi, in addition to free private parking for visitors who drive.

University College Cork is 9.5 kilometers away from the 4-star bed and breakfast. There are family rooms at the bed and breakfast.

The rooms at the bed & breakfast have a closet, a TV, an attached bathroom, and towels. Guests can also unwind in the common lounge area.

Price per Night:

• $98 – $230

Amenities:

• Non-smoking rooms
• Free Parking
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms

Deluxe Double Room with Shower For 1 (1 night): $98 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• 1 double bed
• Private bathroom
• Free WiFi
• Free toiletries

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel

Location: Blarney Village, Blarney, Ireland

The internationally recognized Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone are only 490 meters away from the Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel. It has a bar and restaurant, as well as a fitness center.

The rooms are elegantly furnished and include a flat-screen TV and complimentary WiFi. Large bathrooms with bathtubs and showers are available, and some rooms offer views of the castle.

The Mill Restaurant features modern Irish cuisine, and in the foyer, visitors can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Christys Bar offers light snacks, lunch, and supper.

Price per Night:

• $175 – $339

Amenities:

• Non-smoking rooms
• 2 restaurants
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Free Parking
• Superb breakfast

Classic Double Room with Two Double Beds – Non-Smoking For 4 (1 night): $339 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• 2 double beds
• Landmark view
• Ensuite bathroom
• Flat-screen TV

Blarney Travel Tips

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Blarney Village, with its quaint pubs, traditional Irish businesses, and friendly friendliness, emits an alluring charm. Engage in discussion with the locals and appreciate the unique Irish atmosphere.

The village’s restaurants serve wonderful Irish food, including substantial stews and freshly baked soda bread. Don’t miss out on browsing through unique crafts and souvenirs at the local stores, which are ideal for finding a keepsake to remember your Blarney experience.

Venture Beyond Blarney

While Blarney has its own allure, the neighboring County of Cork has a plethora of sights worth seeing.

Travel a short distance to Cork and explore its lively markets, medieval streets, and cultural sites. Explore the gorgeous countryside instead, where you’ll find picturesque coastline panoramas, lovely villages, and the rugged majesty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Arrive Early at Your Planned Destinations

Arrive early in the day to avoid long lines, particularly during the high tourist season. Remember that embracing the tale involves a little bravery as well as a lot of joy.

Booking.com

 

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