Kiss the Blarney Stone: 12 Tips You Must Know

Are you planning to kiss the Blarney Stone during your next trip to Ireland?

If yes, then you have come to the right place!

As someone who has been to Ireland multiple times and visited Blarney Castle as well, I am the right person to help you plan this visit.

If this is your first time traveling to Ireland, then I would suggest that you include Blarney Castle Ireland.

According to the legend, if you kiss the Blarney Stone, also referred to as the Stone of Eloquence, you will be bestowed with the gift of gab.

People have been visiting this Irish castle for over 200 years now to kiss the legendary stone. How amazing, right?

Since this place was on my bucket list, I made sure to visit it on my trip to Ireland. 

Are you still wondering about what is the Blarney stone? And how can you visit it?

Read on for tips and advice on what to do, how to spend your time, and what to expect when you kiss the Blarney Stone!

Kiss the Blarney Stone: 12 Tips You Must Know

Plan To Spend A Lot Of Time At Blarney Castle

This would be my number one recommendation and tip.

Set aside a large portion of your travel day to spend at Blarney Castle, because there is a LOT MORE to do than just kiss the Blarney Stone!

Set on sixty acres, this Irish castle’s grounds are nothing short of stunning. There are gardens to explore, walks to take, and streams to rest near.

Unfortunately, when I visited, I didn’t know much about it and didn’t have enough time to spend here. So, don’t make the same mistake as me.

Trust me, one of the top things to do in the Itinerary is explore the Blarney Castle so keep aside sufficient time for it.

Tickets Here: From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

Tickets Here: Blarney Castle & Rock of Cashel Private Car Trip from Dublin

Park In the City For Free To Save On Parking Fees

Since Blarney Castle Ireland is located in the charming town of Blarney, one of the best things to do is park in the city.

This is one of the most popular castles in Cork which is why there is a parking fee if you park on the grounds of the castle.

The town is a block or two away and is a great way to enjoy free parking.

We visited on a crowded afternoon and we were still able to find a parking spot about one block away.

Save Time And Money By Purchasing Admission Tickets Online Beforehand

It shouldn’t be a surprise that there is an admission fee to enter Blarney Castle and the accompanying grounds.

Unfortunately, we didn’t purchase the tickets in advance and had to wait in line for some time.

If you are traveling on a long flight, then this is the last thing you would want to do.

So, make sure you purchase your tickets online for Kissing the Blarney Stone Ireland. You will end up saving some money as well!

Tickets Here: Blarney Castle Full Day Tour From Dublin

Tickets here: Dublin: Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh, and Blarney Castle

Kiss The Blarney Stone In The Early Morning Or Late Afternoon

One of the things that I highly recommend for anyone who wishes to kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland is to arrive early morning or late afternoon here.

We arrived midmorning and had to wait a long time in the line.

Later, when we were exploring the grounds of this Irish Castle, we noticed there was NO LINE at all.

If you are wondering where is the Blarney Stone, well then it is inside the castle.

So, if you arrive at an odd time, the best thing to do is explore the castle grounds and then kiss the Blarney Stone a bit later on in the day. Or arrive early morning.

Tickets Here: 2-Day Cork, Blarney Castle and the Ring of Kerry

Be Prepared to Climb A Narrow Tunnel With A Winding Staircase

Although kissing the Blarney stone is one of the top things to do in Ireland, it is not easy to reach here.

You will have to climb a somewhat steep winding staircase to get there. I know of no facilities for the disabled or those in a wheelchair.

However, when you are climbing the stairs, you will see spectacular views of the castle grounds and the adjacent Irish countryside that will take your breath away.

Tickets Here: From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

Tickets Here: Cliffs of Moher and Blarney 2-Day Tour from Dublin

Enjoy the Gorgeous Views from the Top

Once you reach the top of the winding staircase, you will be greeted by an open and vast rooftop of the castle.

From here, it is a 2-minute walk to get to the Stone.

During this walk, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Ireland that is all around you.

You Kiss The Blarney Stone On Your Back And Upsidedown

Now, let’s address the burning question, what is the Blarney Stone? And what does Kiss the Blarney Stone mean?

Well, as the name suggests, it is a stone that is found at the top of Blarney Castle. And legend has it that if you kiss the Blarney Stone you will be blessed with ‘the gift of gab,’ or eloquence.

Now, it might look a little intimidating but don’t worry.

There are several assistants there to help you.

First off, give your camera to your family or one of the Blarney assistants, because you will want a photo of this!

The assistants will help you to sit down first of all. Take your time. They are there to help you and keep you safe.

Next, you will lie down and resituate your body closer to the ledge where the stone is.

Ask the helpers exactly which stone is the Blarney Stone, so you know where to put your head and neck. The assistants will give you guidance and help.

And then finally, tilt your head back, and kiss the Blarney Stone never to be lost for words again in your life.

At least that’s what the legend promises.

Your family will be snapping pictures of you and you will enjoy them all afterward.

The assistants will complete their jobs by helping you first sit up, then finally stand up and help you move along as they prepare for the next person.

The Blarney Stone Will Be Wiped Clean If You Ask

If you are concerned about hygiene, then don’t worry. After the Covid pandemic, the staff cleans the Blarney Stone after each kiss.

In addition, any highly touched common areas are disinfected between visitors as well.

It is cleaned with an environment-friendly cleanser approved by the World Health Organization.

I brought my antimicrobial wipes with me, but they declined.

Plan a Trip to the Blarney Stone in the Off-Season to Avoid the Crowds

If you are including this in your Ireland Itinerary, then plan a visit during the off-season or the shoulder season.

During the summer months, you will find a lot of crowds here and a huge queue to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Plan a visit in September, October, or April for a better experience.

Tickets Here: Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

Tickets Here: 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher

Don’t Forget to Visit the Poison Garden

Another cool thing to do when visiting the Blarney Stone is to explore the Poison Garden in the castle.

This garden is home to poisonous medicinal herbs that you cannot touch, taste, or smell.

But it is a great place to learn.

However, be careful if you have kids and keep them far away from these herbs as they can accidentally hurt themselves.

Visit The Stable Yard Cafe For A Bite To Eat Or Drink

After all the exploration, you might want to stop and rest a little.

Well, then The Stable Yard Cafe is the place to go.

It is located in an old stable near the manor house and the cafe has an interesting history to share.

You can order snacks, drinks, and light meals here easily.

A Stop At The Blarney Castle Shop Is Great For Souvenirs And Postcards

If you love collecting souvenirs from places you visit, then don’t forget to visit the Blarney Castle Shop.

You can buy loads of postcards here for your family back home. Plus, they sell lots of quirky and interesting items too.

So, do buy a fun souvenir to remember your epic visit to the Blarney Stone Ireland.

Where to Stay in Blarney Ireland

Blarney Castle Hotel – One of the best hotels to stay in the city, Blarney Castle Hotel is just 200 yards from the castle.

You get amazing luxurious rooms here with private entrances and the rooms offer beautiful views of the countryside.

Check Prices Here

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel – BW Signature Collection – Located just 500m from Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel is a great choice.

This elegantly furnished hotel features a bar, a restaurant, and a fitness suite as well. If you are planning a couple’s trip, then I highly recommend this hotel.

Check Prices Here

Maranatha Country House – If you are looking for a bed and breakfast property, then check out Maranatha Country House.

It is 3 km from the castle and offers a cozy and comfortable stay to the guests.

Check Prices Here

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Ireland To Kiss The Blarney Stone

I think that using these useful packing tips will enhance your trip to Ireland in general, and to Blarney, in particular.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

And this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

  I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle.

The replaceable carbon filters ensure filtered water when you want it.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

I sometimes bring along Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Don’t forget TSA-approved luggage locks!

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