Private Tour

Blarney Castle, Kinsale & Cork City Centre

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

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 castle lies the Stone of Eloquence - better known as the Blarney Stone. Here, you'll be able to hang upside down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone (which is said to give you the gift of eloquence).

There are paths touring the grounds that lead to the Blarney House, which overlooks a nearby lake. Enjoy an idyllic day in the beautiful Blarney village and venture exploring the Blarney Castle and its grounds, before returning to Cork City for further exploration of our culture!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Dinner

Lunch

Blarney castle

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

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 the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone!

3 hours • Admission Not Included

Blarney Woollen Mills

- Next, we'll visit the Woolen Mills, where I'll share some of its extensive history and point out Irish based products for purchase.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Blarney Castle, Kinsale & Cork City Centre

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great day on our tour at...
Michael M,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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
A wonderful tour
Roving38949821461,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Beautiful excursion from cruise
Explore11316,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Wonderful experience
Compass823372,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
We got off our ship and had Val as a driver.
996thed,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!!!!
STOP GET THIS GUY TO SHOW YOU AROUND
881jackelynm,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
A MUST for anyone visiting Cork!
O1260DQelainej,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Great Blarney Castle experience.
Compass823372,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Val picked us at Cobh port from our ship he was so friendly and professional. Took us on a fantastic tour of Blarney Castle.
Our Travels to Cork
mikaylab507,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Your Cork, Ireland Expert!
V9504EGkelseyb,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!