Blarney Castle Tour: Explore Historic Grounds

Explore Blarney Castle’s ancient fortifications, kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, and discover Cork City’s vibrant culture. Uncover history and charm in one unforgettable tour.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Blarney Castle & Gardens - - The tour will start with you being picked up at an agreed upon location.
  • We’ll then enjoy a short drive to the village of Blarney.
  • On arrival, we’ll marvel at the beautiful Blarney Castle views as I tell you about its history.
  • We’ll continue to explore the beautiful Castle gardens and grounds.
  • Later, you’ll have…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Admission fees
Additional Information

Overview of your Cork tour:
Did you know that the Blarney Castle originally dates from before the 12th Century? It has beautiful stone fortifications, accessible rooms and battlements, and it’s surrounded with gorgeous extensive gardens which in and of themselves present various attractions such as several natural rock formations.
At the top of the…

Location
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Monacnapa,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Michael_m
Oct 11, 2025
Great day on our tour at... - Great day on our tour at Blarney Castle. Beautiful grounds. I would urge that people who tour castle to be in physically good shape as the stairs are steep and narrow
Review provided by Viator
Roving38949821461
Oct 11, 2025
A wonderful tour - Val is a fantastic guy. We had a wonderful tour. Very knowledgeable and accomodating. Great craic and all round lovely day. I would highly recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore11316
Oct 6, 2025
Beautiful excursion from cruise - After docking in Cobh from our cruise, we enquired into visiting Blarney Castle. Val Calnan was recommended to us for a tour to the castle and the beautiful grounds on which it sits. Val was so knowledgeable about the area and history (quite the character). We truly had a wonderful time. The Blarney woolen mills was my personal favorite for some great shopping. Well worth the price between six of us. The castle grounds are beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass823372
Oct 6, 2025
Wonderful experience - Val picked us up from Cobh and proceeded to give us a very comprehensive tour of Blarney Castle and the beautiful town surrounding it. Wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this local guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
996thed
Oct 5, 2025
We got off our ship and had Val as a driver. - Val is the cream of the crop!!!! He guided us through our whole experience and never led us astray!!!! From the car ride in and the picture before we entered to where to go while we were on the growns!!! If you want a great experience get Val as your guide!!! Top notch!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
881jackelynm
Oct 5, 2025
STOP GET THIS GUY TO SHOW YOU AROUND - What a FANTASTIC time we had with Val! He showed US Unbelievable scenery we would have not seen on a bus! If your looking for a great time & looking for the true spots & stops of Ireland Omg VAL IS THE GUY! VAL if your seeing this THANK YOU FOR A ONCE IM A LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O1260dqelainej
Oct 4, 2025
A MUST for anyone visiting Cork! - After disembarking in Cobh, we were greeted by the charming Val, who from the minute we met him made us feel like we had known each other for years. On our way to Blarney, Val pointed out various local landmarks in Cork, such as Blackrock Castle, the port and the incredible Parc Ui Chaoimh. The pride Val has in his local community also shone through as we passed and then was subsequently pointed out, his local GAA club, Glen Rovers. Val is a proud Corkonian, which is clearly evident through the stories he tells. Throughout our tour, Val offered valuable information into both Cork's and Ireland's storied history. He didn't have to do this, but it is a measure of the man that he took the time out to expand our knowledge on a city and country with so much heritage. Once we hit Blarney Castle, Val again displayed his vast wealth of knowledge. Any questions we had, he answered fully and more often than not, with a story to boot. The Blarney Stone was a particular highlight of the tour, as well as the vast grounds the castle itself is situated in. The poison garden was a welcome surprise, something we previously knew nothing about. The only negative of the whole tour was the weather, which was typically Irish. Val somehow found a way to turn this into a positive though. Because of rain, Val decided to take us to Kinsale, allowing us to see another landmark steeped in history and heritage. Having never been to Kinsale before, it is safe to say we will be back! What a wonderful place and setting. As well as getting a glimpse of the local town, Val took us for lunch in a lovely country pub called The Speckled Door, again a lovely surprise. I could not recommend Val enough as a tour operator. His demeanour, coupled with his vast knowledge of the local area, as well as the isle of Ireland, set him apart from his peers. I look forward to our next visit to Cork, where we will for sure be taking in the Ring of Kerry with our new friend Val.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass823372
Sep 30, 2025
Great Blarney Castle experience. - Val picked us at Cobh port from our ship he was so friendly and professional. Took us on a fantastic tour of Blarney Castle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikaylab507
Sep 29, 2025
Our Travels to Cork - Val was a wonderful guide, from the friendly chit chat, to his knowledge of the area. We had a fantastic dinner at his recommendation and would absolutely travel with him again. Thank you Val!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V9504egkelseyb
Sep 28, 2025
Your Cork, Ireland Expert! - We had such a nice time and Val was so helpful with areas. It was refreshing to have a knowledgeable local to show us important places and give us information only a local would know. We recommend! Friendly, kind, and easy going!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $1,121 (Per Vehicle)
up to 8 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).