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-crossing 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 through County Cork's countryside, a region steeped in 4,000 years of history, to reach Blarney Castle. Legend holds that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, the gift of eloquence will be bestowed on you. While visiting the castle you can kiss the stone which sits beneath the battlement wall. You must lean backward from the parapet walk (held by the strong arms of a couple of sturdy Irish lads) in order to do so.
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 case to reach the stone. There can be long lines and a significant wait to kiss the Blarney Stone; patience is required. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.