Blarney Castle & Panoramic Cork
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Port
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approimately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Criss-cross Cobh's bridges on a panoramic drive past St Fin Barre's Gothic Cathedral, the medieval Old Town, the University, City Hall and the famous Bells of Shandon. Although Cobh is Ireland's second-largest city, it retains the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town.
Tour County Cork's countryside, a region steeped in 4,000 years of history, to reach Blarney Castle. While visiting the castle, you can kiss the Blarney Stone, which sits beneath the battlement wall. To do so, you must lean backward from the parapet walk, held by the strong arms of a couple of sturdy Irish lads. Legend holds that those who kiss the stone receive the gift of eloquence.
Blarney's unusual 18th-century Rock Close Garden, with its huge boulders and sacrificial altar, is believed to be the remains of a Druid site.
Before you return to Cobh, browse at the Blarney Woolen Mill (1793) for a wide range of Irish clothing, crystal, linen and handicrafts. There's time for an Irish coffee here — surely the perfect opportunity to try out your newfound eloquence on your fellow travelers, who may or may not appreciate it.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests with physical limitations or a fear of heights can skip kissing the Blarney Stone. Terrain includes 108 steps on a narrow spiral staircase to reach the stone. There can be long lines and a significant wait to kiss the Blarney Stone; patience is required.