Last updated on May 18, 2026 by Shannon
Ireland is the most charming country on the planet. Okay, that’s a bold statement, I know. I’ve visited truly incredible countries during my year on the road. And while Laos and Nepal hold particularly special places in my heart, Ireland feels like home.
My parents nursed me on stories of the Emerald Isle. Pictures of the O’Donnell family crest graced our walls. I grew up captivated by tales of silkies and fairies, and captivated by photos once my dad returned home from his trip to Ireland spent tracing our family history.
It’s hard not to love a place you’ve dreamed about for years. I first visited Ireland in 2005 with my dad, and we focused mostly on County Donegal—we rented a car, got lost on tiny winding roads, and hiked rugged coastline through endless sheep pastures.
This time, I would seek out Ireland’s other most famous vistas, hikes, and yes, castles. Specifically, I would seek out Blarney Castle in Cork so I would be blessed with the gift of gab.
Getting to the Blarney Stone in Cork
Without my dad leading the way, my trip focused on the southern coast of Ireland. And because the country’s small, I decided to rent a car in Dublin as soon as I landed and head south immediately. While not an entirely sane idea since I hail from a country that drives on the right side of the road, it was the most efficient and effective way to get around.
That said, landing in Dublin and immediately driving on the massive highway system is baptism by fire. My blood pressure skyrocketed when I approached the first roundabout: I held my breath, tapped on my turn signal, looked left . . . no WAIT—I looked right before venturing on my way for the very straightforward three-hour drive to Cork.
Cork is a pretty big city, but it’s still friendly in all the right ways. I’m not a “big-city” person, and Cork actually runs a fine line between being too large.
Thankfully, once you park there’s plenty of charm to find in the city. Since it was raining when I arrived in Cork, I opted to wait until the next morning—hoping the fickle Irish weather would clear.
Where and How: Blarney Castle—which is home to the Blarney Stone—is located just 20 minutes outside of Cork. Far enough that you can’t walk from the city-center, but buses leave throughout the day from the city center if you’re carless. Day tripping from Dublin is popular, but a long day. If you’re staying in Cork, I recommend Anam Cara B&B. If you have a car, parking is cheap (€2 flat-rate as of 2026), but don’t linger after closing—they’re serious about clearing the lot.
🌎 Top Activities and Tours of Blarney Castle, Cork:
- Blarney Castle Easy Access Entrance Ticket: Pre-book online during summer or weekends if you want the easiest arrival experience, but unlike many major European attractions, entry here is still fairly flexible.
- Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin: Maximize your learning and time with a full-day guided tour from Dublin that visits Blarney Castle and also gives a bit of free time to explore.
- Private Guided Tour by Car: Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Blarney Castle, with commentary and stops tailored to your interests. This personalized experience ensures you are easily picked up at your hotel or the cruise ship harbor, given the chance to enjoy seeing the Blarney Stone, and then back again later that day.
What is the Blarney Stone?
Like most Irish legends, nobody entirely agrees where the stone came from. One story ties it to the goddess Clíodhna, another to Robert the Bruce, and others weave in witches, kings, and biblical prophets. But every version ends in the same place: kiss the stone and you’ll receive the gift of eloquence.
No matter which way you look at it, centuries of men and women have kissed the stone in hopes of all it promises.
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Why Do People Kiss the Blarney Stone?
The stone is a mysterious block of bluestone set into the castle’s actual walls. And no matter which origin story you believe, all agree on one thing: kissing the Blarney Stone bestows on the kisser the gift of gab.
Supposedly, you’ll leave with a silver tongue and a newfound gift for eloquence once you’ve puckered your lips and kissed the stone.
Wait, Why Do People Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down?
You kiss the stone upside down because there is no other way to reach it! It’s no easy feat to kiss the stone due to its location on a wall near the top of Blarney Castle.
And kissing it is not for the faint of heart—you have to dangle yourself over a gaping hole in the castle’s uppermost floor.
The safety bars are recent additions in the past century as you used to dangle by your ankles over the side of the wall. Even with the safety features, some people experience extreme fear of heights due to how precarious it all feels when you’re hanging upside down from the top of the Castle.
Once it’s your turn, you death-grip the handrails and the man assisting unceremoniously grabs two fist-fulls of your clothes and shoves you upside down and close enough to kiss the stone.
A heartbeat later, you’re hauled upright and sent on your way.
So, the burning question: Did I kiss the stone?
Did I really put my lips on that wet slab of germ-infested rock where thousands have done so before me? Did I dangle my body from the side of the castle and risk my life?!
Yes, although perhaps not that melodramatically! I mean, how can you not? You’re there and it’s there. It may be cheesy and touristy, but I’m cheesy and occasionally touristy, so I saw no issue.
5 Tips When Kissing the Blarney Stone
1. The Blarney Stone is Cleaned Constantly
Blarney Castle is meticulous about using a cleaning agent approved by the World Health Organization—they clean the stone, as well as all of the high-touch surfaces.
2. Buy Tickets Online and Go Early
Blarney Castle gets busy fast in summer—especially by late morning when the tour buses arrive from Dublin and Cork. Tour buses from cruise ships and Dublin tours tend to hit late morning hardest. I visited in September and still encountered steady crowds.
One thing people consistently underestimate: the staircase itself becomes part of the queue. During busy summer afternoons, you can spend close to an hour slowly winding upward through narrow stone passages before you even reach the stone. If you want a calmer experience, arrive right at opening or in the last hour or two before closing.
Online tickets make entry smoother, but unlike some attractions in Europe, there aren’t strict timed slots.
3. Prepare to Hang Upside Down
Kissing the Blarney Stone is much stranger in practice than it sounds.
To reach it, you climb to the top of the castle, grip a pair of iron bars, and lean backward over an open drop while someone steadies you from behind. The stone itself is set into the wall below you, so there’s no graceful way to do this—you genuinely have to lower yourself upside down to reach it.
The buildup is honestly more intense than the actual kiss.
The narrow staircase becomes part of the queue during busy periods, and it’s tight enough that people are constantly squeezing past one another in both directions. If you’re claustrophobic, the climb through the castle can feel more stressful than the actual lean backward over the edge.
And then, after all that anticipation, the actual kiss lasts about three seconds.
4. Stay for the Grounds, Not Just the Stone
Honestly, the grounds ended up being just as memorable as kissing the stone.
“Most visitors head straight for the staircase queue, kiss the stone, snap a photo, and leave. But the castle gardens are lush, sprawling, and worth slowing down for.
If you have time, wander through the Rock Close trails behind the castle—the mossy paths, little caves, waterfalls, and druid-y atmosphere feel far more old-Ireland than the queue for the stone.
I visited in September and spent most of the day wandering through moss-covered pathways, dripping trees, and quiet corners of the grounds once the tour groups moved on. The Poison Garden was particularly fascinating—a locked-off collection of poisonous plants and medicinal herbs that somehow feels perfectly at home in the Irish mist.
One practical thing I didn’t expect: the stone staircases get slick fast. Shoes with decent grip matter more than you’d think here, especially inside the castle where the narrow spiral steps are uneven and worn smooth in places.
If you plan for wet weather instead of hoping against it, the whole experience becomes much more enjoyable. Bring a rain jacket, wear proper shoes, and then feel pleasantly smug if the sun actually appears.
5. Book a Tour or Rent a Car
A lot of travelers base themselves entirely in Dublin and day trip from there. Technically, you can. But Ireland became far more interesting for me once I slowed down outside the capital.
I’ve now done three separate Ireland trips with a rental car, and despite the initial panic of driving on the opposite side of the road, it’s still my favorite way to explore the country. Some of my best memories came from getting lost on tiny backroads, pulling over for random coastal views, and lingering in small towns longer than planned.
If you have enough time, I really do think Ireland rewards moving slower.
That said, sometimes a day trip is all you have room for in your itinerary. If you’re staying in Dublin and don’t want the stress of driving, a full-day tour to Blarney Castle is easily the simplest option.
Tell me, would you have kissed the stone? Or do you think my lips are tainted for life now? ;-)
Onward travel
Having explored large swaths of Ireland on many trips, here are some guides and information about the other things to do in the region.
Southern Ireland » Ring of Kerry | Ring of Beara
West Coast » Cliffs of Moher | Aran Islands | Diamond Hill Hike
Other» Best Books About Ireland | Solo Female Travel Safety | Irish Culture | Irish Music
Are there any handrails on the stairs?
Yes, there is a thin but strong handrail along a lot of it—and a rope instead of a standard handrail in a few parts the staircase at Blarney Castle. But the hardest part of it is the super-worn stairs—the stairs are worn smooth and harder to maintain a foothold, so wear good shoes.
I am going on my very first international trip in November this year! This is all about stepping out of my comfort zone and doing what scares me! I’m going on a group solo tour to Dublin, County Cork and Galway! Blarney Castle is on the itinerary! After watching videos of others kissing the stone, I’m honestly terrified! Lol However, I think if I go there and miss the opportunity, I would regret it! In my do what scares me season and stepping out of my comfort zone!
I have had 5 back surgeries. Would anyone with back problems kiss the Blarney stone?
No, that’s not going to be feasible for you as the position stretches your back quite a bit. I would avoid it, though you could kiss your hand and tap it to the stone. :)
So how much is too much tongue, when kissing the Blarney Stone?
I’d say that’s between you and the stone ;-)
I will be traveling to Ireland in March, will be there for St. Patrick’s Day! Already have my tickets for the Blarney Castle. I do have a fear of heights but will not let that deter me from kissing the stone! I have already crossed off many great things on my long list of must-do’s in my lifetime, cant wait to cross off the Blarney Stone!
Having had a life-long fear of heights, having Osteo-arthritis in my back, and being a few weeks short of seventy-sixth birthday, I think the chance of me kissing the Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle is long past. However, my cousin’s son (21) is attending college in Ireland 🇮🇪 and I encourage him to do so! Does having grown up in a very Irish part of Boston produce any eloquence?
I definitely think it counts! And it’s still pretty to visit the castle even if you don’t kiss it. :)
This July I will have birthday number 77, and have way too many of the ravages of old age, yet I will sometime this year “Kiss the Blarney Stone” with any luck at all.
Currently in the planning stages of a trip to Ireland and the other nearby areas.
The dank and tiny winding staircases are not for the claustrophobic, but the sweeping views of lush green country and manicured gardens are worth the trip to the top. The castle itself is actually really neat too and the surrounding castle grounds are gorgeous.
You'd have to do it to!?! It's not just a gift for the Irish…unless your
like me, I kissed it anyone, but I certainly didn't need any more of the
“gift of gab” ;-)
You'd have to do it to!?! It's not just a gift for the Irish…unless your
like me, I kissed it anyone, but I certainly didn't need any more of the
“gift of gab” ;-)
This looks like so much fun! I'd get Mr G to kiss his heritage… while I take photos ;)
Oh yeah, I know you'd have been right there with me :-)
Catching up on your blog.
Yes, I would have kissed it. But you prob would have guessed that.
I did survive and had an amazing time! Ireland was the end of my RTW trip and it was really a life-changing through and through :-)
Shannon – So glad you were brave enough to do what many joke about or yearn to do! And see; you survived to tell the tale. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I did survive and had an amazing time! Ireland was the end of my RTW trip and it was really a life-changing through and through :-)
I came across your website by accident, via a link from twitter…I love every piece of it! I have had the chance to visit Ireland once, and only Dublin with a short trip to the Wicklow Mts. and quaint little Dolkey. I can’t wait to go back and travel the backroads…just haven’t gathered the gumption to drive!
Thanks for your fun and wonderful site!
We were so close to Ireland, but didn't have time to cross over. The worst part of RTW traveling is missing places even if it is impossible to see every last inch of earth. Ireland looks beautiful!
I think we would have kissed the Blarney Stone, we licked the walls in the Salt Mines of Wieliczka, Poland, which didn't seem very hygienic either.
I'm still scratching my head wondering why I didn't meet you in Ireland. And yes, I plan to french kiss that stone when I meet it.
Hi. Good morning from a very wet and windy NW Ireland. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip – so much to see. I'm 54 and have been down to kiss the stone over 20 years ago. Thats the only time I've been there – I enjoy countryside so much more. Come back some time!
Thanks Robin! I spent some time in Clifden and in the smaller towns around there and thought that it was just amazingly friendly and peaceful; you can bet that I'll be back :-)
Yes! Been there, done it, and lived to tell the tale! It's a fun adventure and not one you have to pay extra for ;)
Glad you lived through it! And has your new gift of gab enhanced your life ;-)
I would kiss the stone – a keyboard is probably more germy! I'm with Deb and Dave, I think people worry too much about it.
Here, here, you need a little germy-ness in your life – keeps it all more interesting ;-) and likely strengthens your immune system.
Well…. although it is totally gross when you think about it, so are about a million other things in this world. Like have you ever thought of how many germs are on a gas pump. gross. So I would totally kiss the stone… just maybe with a thick layer of chap stick that I could use as a barrier between me and herpes simplex 1. ;) Loved this post!
Glad you're with me Lisandra! I like the chap-stick idea…it was cold that day so I likely had some on, score! You crack me up w/the herpes comment, lol. :-)
I kissed the stone! It was magical.
Excellent!! Did you feel the gift of gab flow through you!? ;-)
Absolutely! And I smashed my head on the rock. Seriously.
Oh my god! Hoping blood was not involved in this story at any point…at least you should be set for life as far as the gifts of the stone are concerned! :-)
I don't know. If I have traveled that far, I would probably do it. But answering now from the comfort of my home after a whole week inside a house with 2 sick kids, my first instinct was no.. :)
Your scarf makes it look like you are harnessed. I thought wow.. it must be really dangerous to kiss the rock. ;)
Lol! No, def not harness-worthy :-) All of the mom's I know have been battling flu viruses these last few weeks, sorry to hear that it stuck near you guys too! Hope the little ones are better :-) And glad to have some support about kissing the rock! I mean, exactly, you're all the way over there!
I would totally do it! It looks like a blast. And I never worry much about germs. We are becoming so germaphobic. I always think that all of that hand sanitizer and disinfectant does more harm than good. I will take Good old fashioned germs over chemicals any day.
Amy is right, your scarf just looks like a harness:)
I'd hoped you back me up Deb!! And I soo agree about the germs – they say that kids who grow up in households with dogs and cats have stronger immune systems because they're exposed to more germs.. they're not all bad :-)
I lived in Ireland for 3 years and never saw the Blarney stone – awful, I know! I went lots of other places though. If I did go, I think I'd blow it a kiss ;)
You never saw it!! I succumb to the touristy too much to have missed it. So far though it seems as though no one else would have kissed it! Sheesh :-) Perhaps though you'd still get some of the benefits from a blown kiss – I like it, nice compromise ;-)
To be honest, I probably wouldn't bother… I'd just take some photos of other people doing it ;) I do love castles, though.
You'd have loved Blarney Castle then – it was really quite pretty :-) I lived watching the others too – showed me how ridiculous I had just looked!