We decided at the last minute to visit Blarney Castle, so we bought tickets online on the same day. We got there at around 4 PM on a Monday, which was pretty late, considering they close at 5. But our time in Cork was limited and that was the only day we were free to visit. We spent about an hour and a half. Turns out the last entry is at 5, and they don't kick you out right at 5. It was a rushed visit and we could have used some more time there, but we wanted to also make it to the Blarney Woolen Mills, which closes at 6. During our visit, we still managed to have enough time to climb up the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, all while towing an 8 month old baby! It wasn't easy (for my husband) since he was the one with the carrier. It was definitely an experience but if you can go without a baby, I would recommend that. FYI - the rock is not really a rock but it's more of a castle wall. I had first visited 12 years ago in 2013, and I remember them sanitizing between each person but I don't recall seeing it this time. Or maybe it went by so fast that I missed it. Supposedly if you kiss the stone, you get the gift of gab. It didn't seem to work either time for me (lol), but it was still a lot of fun, especially since I got to bring my daughter this time. We did have to wait probably about half an hour to kiss the stone. I'd recommend visiting the castle when it opens, going straight to the stone, and then exploring the rest of the grounds. It's definitely touristy but it was a fun/must-see tourist spot if you find yourself in Cork.

This was my favorite castle in Ireland. The grounds, the actual castle, kissing the stone. It has so much to offer. We went on off season as well so we got to walk right up to kissing the stone. So much history as you were walking around. The gardens are also really beautiful. You have to make this a stop while you are in Ireland. There is a reason it's the most famous!

Beautiful grounds and property. Everything is spaced out so it doesn't feel crowded but you don't have to walk crazy far to see things. If you have mobility issues most of the walk areas are pretty flat. There are stairs if you want to see the stone and keep in mind that the wait can get long at certain times. There are places to grab food, use the restrooms, and there is a gift shop. Right outside there are amazing wool and other shops and restaurants.

A "must" on the Ireland travel bucket list. We got to the castle just as it was opening, and there was a line out the bottom of the castle. We made sure to stop in the front and get an Irish coffee for the wait. We waited in line for over an hour to kiss the Blarney Stone. You literally have to get on your back and arch yourself to kiss the stone upside down. Great experience and impressive castle. The grounds are vast, with a position garden and parks. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Ireland.

If you're like me, then a visit to kiss the Blarney Stone is a must when visiting Ireland. It's definitely not for everyone, but I felt it was a worthwhile activity. The Blarney Castle is an austere building on a misty hill (on the day we went) in Cork. It has super pretty verdant gardens around it, so there are cool sights to see from the top of the castle when you get up there. While you wind your way up the steps inside the castle toward the top, it can get a little claustrophobic, but once at the top it's so airy up there, you'll be relieved to be up so high. You will actually hold onto a rope while you ascend the steps, to make sure you don't fall! Once you get to the kissing spot, it's a little awkward of a process - you lay on your back, hold on to two bars on either side, and an attendant holds you while you lean forward and give the stone a big kiss. Yes, there are wives tales of what people "do" to the stone and also the worry of how many people have done the kissing before you, but sometimes you have to go with the flow and do the thing you came to do! *MWAH*

Don't go when it's rainy! Not a pleasant experience in the rain. You have to walk a lot just to get to the castle. And walking through the grounds in rain and mud isn't fun at all. Plus if you plan on climbing the castle and going to the Blarney Stone, the rocks will be slippery! We had people in our tour slip and fall multiple times. Blarney Castle is awesome. It's so big and magnificent! The gardens and cafe are fun to hit also while you are there. If you want to climb the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, notice the warning. The climb is steep and the stairs are narrow! Plus it's really high up. Some people started having panic attacks and freezing up in fear. So, think about how you do with heights before you go. Once you enter the stairs, you can't go back. There's no way to go back, because people will be behind you climbing up. It is about 120 steps to climb up. 120 steep, narrow and possibly slippery steps if it is raining. I wasn't able to go up. I'm not in shape to be doing that, and I'm really clumsy lol Not gonna break my neck to climb the castle. A great landmark to visit! 10/10

To be honest, skip the Blarney Stone experience. It's weird and awkward and there's no good photo op of it. I didn't even get close to the stone (wherever it is). So it's just a photo of a guy holding you while you lay upside down. But I waited so long in line -- which wasn't even that long since we went first thing in the morning -- that I felt obligated to do it. They should just pick a fake Blarney Stone and lie to us and tell us that's the real stone if it means I don't have to lay down and have a stranger hold me to take a photo. These are all negative comments, so why do I give it 5 stars? The grounds are BEAUTIFUL. It's such a peaceful walk. A wonderful respite for an introvert who needs some quiet time. I could have spent all day walking in the woods.

One of the more famed castles in Ireland which has become a must stop for tourists! I enjoyed my time here with my tour group! Of course Blarney Castle is known for the rock at the top where you lay upside down and kiss the Blarney Stone in hopes of acquiring the "gift of the gab". There was a super long line to get to the top so my friends and I actually skipped this part! Many in my tour group did the same and chose to spend our time exploring the vast gardens instead. The property is so beautiful. There is SO much to see and we so lucked out with the weather being gorgeous. There are signs posted throughout that give a brief overview of what you are looking at/the section you're in. I would definitely recommend saving time during your visit to explore. So many picture worthy sights and I loved the gift shops here too of course.

We stayed in Cork and it was only a 20 minute drive to the castle. Such a beautiful set of grounds to walk around and of course get to keep as the Blarney Stone.

Blarney Castle is a must-visit in Ireland. The grounds are stunning, the history is fascinating, and kissing the famous Blarney Stone is a fun bucket-list moment. Wear comfy shoes -- there's a bit of climbing -- but the views from the top are worth every step.

Many, many years ago the San Antonio Shamrock Society used to hold an event at The University of The Incarnate Word. It was meant to highlight Irish Culture in our city. One of its main attractions was a replica of the Blarney Stone. Although it wasn't in the Blarney Castle it still left an indelible impression on me. It was on the ground far away from its gloried five flights. I did kiss that replica but I thought one day I would make a trip to experience it firsthand. I have always had an affinity for Ireland. Enter a trip to Europe where tickets purchased to see Ozzy Osborne only to have his Dublin date canceled. So I was left searching for things to do in its absence. In a heartbeat traveling to Blarney Stone was at the top of my list. A thing about Ireland is there exists a magical realism reflected in its lore and landscape. It is very similar to Latin American particularly Mexican Culture in that sense. Historical monuments like Blarney Castle should not be considered just as structures but contain fantastical properties. It is abundant all around. Me and my company arrived here right before it opened. Visitors were slowly trickling in at this point. If you can I suggest you buy tickets online to expedite the process quicker. And a friendly reminder carry Euros with you at all times. You should use them when paying for parking. The grounds are lush with green and every type of shrubbery imaginable in bloom. I saw tourists with huge backpacks or were wearing shoes meant for a fancy date thereafter. Leave them behind. Dress comfortably but know even in the summer it is still cool here. As a person who is afraid of heights looking at its base then the top made me nervous. But whatever distance you have traversed you should do it. Once inside I could sense its immensity. A video of the Castle's history is on repeat before you even start. So we made our way through its stairwell. A family of three was before us. Not even a flight of stairs in a lady from their company had a panic attack. She was sobbing miserably, afraid to go any further. She was apologetic that her meltdown had somehow effected our experience. We offered for her to climb with us. But her fright got the best of her. In her defense the flight of stairs are long-winding, narrow and claustrophobic. There are ropes, places to grip that guide you to the top. It is an extremely helpful tool. In hindsight getting there early allowed us to travel at our own pace. That alleviated most of the pressure I had with my nervousness. Along the way there are small rooms that serve to " catch your breath." I peered into one quickly only to see the distance downward. When we finally made the trek to the top there were two men waiting. One cleans the wall as you kiss it with Windex. The other helps you position yourself. I saw one person refuse to kiss the stone. Which is basically the Castle's wall because of the hygienic implications. At this point any surface touched by hand even kiss is compromised. (I know Covid is no where near over, I'm already over it.) You are positioned on your back. Beneath you are safety bars that make it impossible for you to fall. In addition as you kiss the wall staff takes your picture, which can be purchased downstairs for twenty- something(ish) dollars. Even if you are afraid of heights I implore you to look at the Castle's landscape from the top. Before you leave. I tend to not be superstitious nor easily lulled by the supernatural but I felt a presence. As if someone were guiding me through the stairs. Even in the entrance way as I was watching the video I felt something next to me. To me there is a magical realism at hand here. Or maybe it was the Guinness talking from the night before. Furthermore I know the garden's ground is vast with much more to see but by then more tourists arrived. A replica and the genuine article are two different things. I will not soon forget my trip here. On the way down one of the men said by kissing the stone you are bestowed with the gift of gab. Or eloquence. I'm still waiting . Any day now.

I didn't climb to the top and kiss the stone because the line was long but I still enjoyed visiting the outside of the castle and the grounds. They have plenty of places to shop and eat as well!

Blarney Castle is a "Must Visit" attraction in Ireland. Of course when you are at Blarney Castle, then you should kiss the Blarney Stone!! Kiss a stone? Why? It is said that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, then you will receive the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness!! So, did I kiss the stone? You bet I did!! Do I now have the gift of the gab (eloquence, skill at flattery, and persuasiveness)? Hmmm......maybe!! Probably depends on who you ask. Lol!! The journey to the Blarney Stone is very scenic. The castle grounds are beautifully photogenic. We spent a couple of hours at Blarney Castle exploring the gardens, grounds, and Castle. We did this after lining up to kiss the Blarney Stone though. First thing we did, was walk over to the Castle so we could wait in line to climb up the castle's narrow and winding staircases to do the deed. Fortunately, we beat most of the buses loaded with tourists so our wait took less than an hour. Surprisingly or maybe not so surprising there were many folks who decided NOT to kiss the Blarney Stone. "The Blarney Stone is a block of Carboniferous limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle. It was set into a tower of the castle in 1446". So how do you kiss the Blarney Stone? Well, you have to lie on your back grab the handrails and lean way way back upside down so you can get close enough to kiss this special stone. Lots of folks choose not to do that for various reasons. They may be afraid of heights. It is located up high on one of the castle towers, and there is a good size hole that you squeeze through to give a nice peck. By the way, you can see the ground from that hole too. Also some people may not want to kiss a stone that thousands of other folks have kissed already. They do wipe the stone with cloths after each visitor though. Still, you never know what germs you may pick up. Didn't bother me, though. I traveled many kilometers to the Emerald Isle of Ireland so I was going to kiss that Blarney Stone no matter what. Overall, it was a wonderful bucket list experience visiting Blarney Castle. The entire area is just so BEAUTIFUL!!!! Even if I had not done the Blarney Stone experience it still would have been a 5 star experience for me. Loved it all!!