Travel Information

Blarney Castle has become synonymous with Ireland, the ancient castle is one of the best representatives of the country’s many tourist attractions. Blarney Castle’s origins were much more humble. It originally started as a hunting lodge made of timber. This simple structure was built in the 10th century and was eventually replaced by a proper stone castle by 1210. The castle as it is known and seen in present Ireland was the result of the efforts of Dermot McCarthy, The King of Munster back in 1446. In fact, the castle was the McCarthy Family’s ancestral stronghold until the arrival of Oliver Cromwell in 1646, who attacked the castle with cannon guns. The McCarthys regained control of the castle fifteen years later with the help of King Charles II. At one point, the Earl of Leicester was sent by Queen Elizabeth I to take control of Blarney Castle. But whenever he endeavoured to start negotiations for the transfer of control McCarthy would always suggest having a banquet or think of other things that eventually delayed any serious discussions about the castle. When the Queen asked for a report on the progress of the mission, the Earl sent a long letter reporting everything but at the end revealed that the castle has remained untaken. Queen Elizabeth was so annoyed at the developments, or lack thereof, that she was supposed to have quipped that the Earl’s report was “a lot of Blarney” – the word eventually caught on to mean “smooth, flattering talk.” After the Battle of Boyne in 1690, the McCarthys again lost control of Blarney Castle when it was decreed that all Irish Chiefs be stripped of their powers. The castle was sold to Sir James Jeffryes, the governor of Cork, in 1703. At present, the Trustees of the Blarney Castle Estate own and manage Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle is a great stopover in your car trip to Ireland. Renting a car is the best way of seeing the beauty of the country. Travellers can inquire at the many car hire companies located inside the airport for great car hire packages.