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Local Activities Links
Blarney www.blarneycastle.ie Blarney village known as "the biggest little village in Ireland" is one of Ireland's most picturesque villages. Blarney is set in a beautiful wooded countryside just 12 kilometers from Cork City. Blarney is steeped in history and magical charm, Blarney offers the visitor a host of wonderful things to do and places to discover. Blarney is a real tourist attraction with its numerous stores of authentic Celtic souvenvenirs, Aran sweaters and official Guinness merchandise. Two of the major attractions of Blarney are Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone which are definitely worth a trip to see them. Blarney Castle stands on the extensive lands of Blarney Castle Estate which consists of 1,130 acres which have been planted for forestry purposes and there are 400 acres of avenues and parklands. Blarney Castle was built in 1446 by Cormac Laidir McCarthy as a defensive fortress however the site of the castle was demolished in 1446 and took many years to rebuild. When visiting the castle do allow sufficient time for a leisurely visit to the Castle. He Rock close part of the Castle Grounds is open to the public and well worth visiting. It is surrounded by old trees. According to legend the gardens are of Druid origin and were a centre of worship in pre-Christian times. Within the Rock Close area there survives a Dolmen or ancient burial place. If you wish to have a picnic there are picnic areas provided in the Rock Close on the banks of the River Martin. For many visitors to Blarney their main Priority is to kiss the Blarney Stone. Head to the high walled medieval castle with its famous Blarney Stone which visitors kiss by lying on their backs and stretching out over the battlements. One of the stories says an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to talk sweetly. He was able to talk anyone into doing things. From this Tradition anyone that kiss the famous Blarney Stone will be endowed with "the gift of the gab" as the Irish call it. Contact Information Transport: Get the bus from the bus station. There are scheduled bus services to and from Blarney. Alternatively take the lazy way out! Enjoy Cork from the pleasant Open Top Bus Tour of Cork. A most enjoyable experience. Contact Cork Tourist Office at Tel +353 021-273251 Opening Times: Open 9.30 to 6pm (10am to 6pm on Saturdays) 7 days a week Entry: Free Directions : Distance from Fitzgearlds Vienna Woods :8.5 miles Time 0 hr 17 min |
Fitzgerald's Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Co Cork, Ireland. Email: info@viennawoodshotel.com Tel :+353 (0) 21 4556800 Fax:+353 (0) 21 4821120