Blarney Castle & Irish Coffee

The medieval Blarney Castle towers above the village of Blarney, with its majestic oblong keep and battlements that are typically Irish in form. At the top of the Castle sits the legendary Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. If you wish, you can hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquent speech. Surrounding the Castle are extensive gardens, with several paths leading off to some interesting natural rock formations, such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. After exploring the Castle, you’ll stop for a well-deserved Irish coffee before visiting the Blarney Woolen Mills, one of the finest crafts and gift centers in Ireland. Here you’ll have the opportunity to browse the high-quality range of Waterford Crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic jewelry. Afterwards, you’ll take a short drive around the city sights enjoying the panoramic views and seeing how this large city manages to preserve its pleasant, country charm. On the return journey, you will see the landscapes of rivers, fields and hedgerows as you travel along country roads.