Cork Travel Forum

Hello. My sister and I will be in Ireland from September 4th through the 7th. One thing she REALLY wants to do is visit Blarney Castle and "kiss the stone". I have read that it is not the greatest tourist spot and may not be worth the time we will take to go there, but it is the one thing she must do while in Ireland. Can someone recommend a tour company that leaves Dublin, and goes to Blarney Castle, Cork, and maybe other really "should not miss" locations all in the same day?????? We won't have a car, and would prefer to take the rail tours.
Thanks, Kim

You can do Blarney by rail 'tour'(it takes in Cork harbour too):

http://www.railtoursireland.com/dh02.asp

Other tour operators here:

http://www.visitdublin.com/seeanddo/tours/toursoutofdublin/listing.aspx?id=289&Page=2&pp=10&offset=3

Have a look as well at

www.irishrail.ie
www.buseireann.ie
www.failteireland.com

I live in Cork about 5 miles from Blarney. My advice is that if you are travelling just to see the castle and kiss the stone - Dont! its an ok thing to see if you were staying in Cork, but being perfectly honest, the stone isn't anything spectacular other than a key slab in an awkward position to kiss (you have to lean backward and head first down a hole to do it. Now there is a guide there to help you, so no risk of falling, but I'm not sure its worth it. Also travel from Dublin to Cork is very expensive, as is an entry to the castle.

If you are visiting however, maybe take in the City Gaol, The old english market and a trip to Kinsale.

I agree with the above user, I was in Cork a couple of months back and the Gaol is excellent (although being on a hill its a pain in the arse to reach except by using the tour bus if I remember rightly!) Youghal is also worth seeing IMO !

As stated by the VT'er above, Railtours Ireland offers a trip from Dublin to Cork and then on to Blarney Castle and Cobh. I did this exact tour through this same company in 2002 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen the comments by the Ireland residents suggesting to skip Blarney Castle, but as a tourist to Ireland, I found it worthwhile. The castle is located in a pretty park like setting and I found it interesting to climb through a ruined castle. Cobh (included in this tour) is picturesque. Enjoy your time with your sister and trust that this day tour will be enjoyable for the both of you!

http://www.railtoursireland.com/dh02.asp