Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, a town in Cork, Ireland. The Castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting the castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many versions of the origin of the stone, including a claim that it was the Lia Fáil — a numinous stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds, with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. The grounds include a poison garden with numerous poisonous plants, including wolfsbane, mandrake, ricinus, opium poppies and cannabis.

Midleton Distillery Experience

Enjoy a fully guided distillery tour, premium whiskey tasting, cask opening experience, cocktail making class or extended duration tour, going behind-the-scenes across our historic 15-acre site. Come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, visit the micro-distillery, stroll through a live maturation warehouse, and sample some of the world’s most awarded Irish whiskeys.