One of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, Blarney Castle (blarneycastle.ie; adult/child €23/11) is just 8km northwest of Cork. The castle itself is an impressive tower house built on the site of two earlier castles in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, and set in 24 hectares of gorgeous grounds.
Perched at the top of claustrophobic spiral steps is the famous Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives one the gift of the gab (legend has it Queen Elizabeth I coined the term "blarney" from the attempts by Cormac MacCarthy, the then Lord of Blarney, for his charming yet misleading responses to her demands for control of the castle and land).
On the panoramic battlements, you bend backwards over a long, long drop (with a safety grill and attendant to prevent tragedy) to kiss the stone (sprayed with disinfectant between visitors). Escape the crowds in the Fern Garden and Arboretum, investigate toxic plants in the Poison Garden or explore the nooks and crannies of the Rock Close.
