Blarney Castle & Scenic Cork

by coach & on foot

Departing the pier you will travel approximately 45 minutes to Cork City, founded by St. Fin Barre in the late 6th century. Known as Ireland’s second city, it is situated on the estuary of the River Lee which flows through the city in two main channels. Today, Cork is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and creativity. You will see the gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse and the renowned Bells of Shandon.

Leaving the city, it’s just a short drive to the village of Blarney which lies in the protective shadow of the historic ruins of 15th-century Blarney Castle, most famous for the tradition of ‘kissing the Blarney Stone’. Legend says that everyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will be bestowed with the ‘Gift of the Gab’. It’s a worthy gift, as one of the most unique and fascinating words in the Irish language is ‘blarney’. It means eloquence, with a dash of charm and wisdom that culminates in the gift of the gab! In order to get to the stone which is set into the Castle’s walls beneath the battlements, you will have to climb 110 steps up a spiral staircase. Kissing the Stone involves leaning backwards from the parapet walk on the battlements.

Blarney village is also home to Blarney Woollen Mills, a building which dates to 1793 and is now one of the finest craft and gift centres in Ireland. Enjoy an included Irish coffee and some free time to browse through the wide range of Irish clothing, crystals, linen and handicrafts before returning to Ringaskiddy.