Private 'Kiss the Blarney Stone' Day Tour

Private 'Kiss the Blarney Stone' Day Tour

Tour from Dublin

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Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.

A Short Introduction To Your Journey

For those of you who would like to "Kiss the Blarney Stone" and thereby check this most Irish of icons off your bucket list, this private day tour from Dublin may be the right choice.

This itinerary requires a relatively full day of travel no matter which way you look at it, so why not enjoy it in comfort, safety and style in a very comfortable private chauffeur driven Mercedes- Benz touring vehicle.

Your chauffeur will collect you from the door of your accommodations and return you to a Dublin city address of your choice in the evening.

Look forward to touring through the lush green countryside of counties Kildare, Laois, Tipperary and Cork and to discovering two amazing medieval castles at Cahir and Blarney.

At Kennedy & Carr we are dedicated to ensuring you have an authentic, informative and highly enjoyable experience of our charming Emerald Isle. Begin you very own private tour experience by reaching out to us today – we look forward to extending our hospitality to your touring party!

Guest feedback:

"Dear Chloe, thank you again for organizing this wonderful trip for our family. My grandchildren were amazed by the story of Blarney Castle and the Gift of the Gab - a story my own grandmother passed to me as a child" - MM, Palm Beach, Florida, United States

  • Private vehicle and driver-guide for the exclusive use of your party.
  • Private collection from the door of your Dublin hotel.
  • Ample time to fully experience the day’s attractions.
  • A comprehensive tour of Blarney Castle – You’ll kiss the famous ‘Blarney Stone’!
  • Stroll through the beautiful Blarney Gardens.
  • Indulge in some tax-free shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills outlet.
  • Enjoy the relaxing private drive back to Dublin.
  • Drop-off at your hotel, restaurant or other Dublin location of your choice
  • Dublin-based expert advice
  • Collection from your hotel
  • Private Mercedes-Benz Tour Vehicle
  • Private Chauffeur Guide
  • Private 4G Wifi Connection in Tour Vehicle
  • Entrance fees (as specified at time of booking)
  • Fuel, Road Tolls and Associated Taxes
  • Dropoff at your hotel
  • Driver's Gratuity
  • Food, Drink or Refreshments
  • Depart Dublin (08:00 start is recommended)

    Begin your private day tour at the Dublin city location that’s most convenient for you. Your private driver- guide will collect you from your door. Relax into the leather seats of your Mercedes- Benz tour vehicle as your driver advises the optimal way to approach the day ahead and skilfully navigates the rush hour traffic of the capital.

    You'll soon leave the city behind on the beautiful drive south to Blarney Castle, a journey that takes you through counties Kildare, Laois, Tipperary and Cork (and back through 600 years of history and charming folklore). Sit back and enjoy your leisurely ride in comfort and style through some of Ireland’s most enchanting agricultural landscapes.

  • Cahir Castle

    Your first stop this morning will be at Cahir (pronounced "care"), a scenic town overlooking the banks of the River Suir in Co. Tipperary.

    Here, strategically located on an island in the middle of the river you'll find the imposing Cahir castle. Built in 1142 AD by the Prince of Thomond this fortress subsequently became one of the many homes of the Butler family, one of the foremost power broking dynasties of the middle ages.

    The castle appears to be crafted from the very rock upon which it is built and remains one of the best preserved castles anywhere in Europe despite having endured three sieges over the centuries, including a three day artillery barrage by English forces in 1599 AD. You'll get to experience the impressive keep, tower and much of the original defensive structure.

    Hollywood stars Michael Fassbender, his wife Alicia Vikander and Game of Thrones star Ralph Ineson visited in 2019 to shoot The Green Knight, an American medieval fantasy film - in theatres 2021.

  • Blarney Castle

    This afternoon you'll arrive at the Co. Cork village of Blarney and for many guests the highlight of the day.

    Blarney Castle & Gardens attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom ascend the 125 steps of the medieval staircase for a chance to Kiss the Blarney Stone.

    Soak up the views from the battlements high above the Cork countryside and ponder the history contained within these walls, without doubt one of Ireland’s iconic symbols. You’ll have time for a leisurely visit to the fortress, after your guide fills you in on its impressive history.

    For those who dangle backwards off the battlements to kiss the stone, the "gift of the gab" (seven years of eloquent speech) is reputed to be the reward! You'll have to wait to ask your guide to find out the intriguing story behind this one - we don't want to spoil the moment.

    Sprawling gardens encapsulate the castle and during fine weather provide the perfect setting for you to stretch your legs and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting place.

    Time-permitting, you may wish to browse the tax-free Blarney Woolen Mills – providing shoppers with the perfect chance to pick up some traditional Irish, hand-knitted goods.

    Notes:

    We'll take care of the entrances and during high- peak times arrange for skip the line access - essential on days where some of the world's largest cruise ships are docked at the deep water port of Cobh at Cork Harbour.

  • Return to Dublin

    After a fantastic day of exploring you’ll be glad of the comfort of your own private tour vehicle for the return journey. Sit back, relax and close your eyes as your driver navigates the roads and the traffic for you. The complimentary wi-fi allows you to check in with friends and family, to share memories of this private Irish experience.

    Your chauffeur will drop you back to the location of your choice in Dublin by 19:30 approximately, with plenty of time for evening plans!

    Kennedy & Carr recommend:

    Perhaps check out The Bank on College Green  (20 - 22 College Green, Dublin 2) for refreshments and or dinner. Kennedy & Carr frequently refuel here after a day in the countryside - think excellent beers on draught, a good selection of old world wines and top quality Irish grilled meats and seafood served in beautiful surrounds. Cheers!

Private Tours typically range from EUR 695.00 – EUR 1,895.00+ per vehicle per day including a driver- guide (& his overnight expenses), fuel, road tolls and associated taxes. Guest accommodation & entrance fees are not included in the above guideline to facilitate guest flexibility.

Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.
Update: 14th March 2024

Ireland is currently at full employment. Many drivers exited the hospitality industry during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (as hospitality was shut for two years) and there is currently a relative shortage of the very best talent.

With pandemic restrictions now in the rear view mirror, and with the United States Dollar at its strongest level vs the Euro in 20 years, we are currently experiencing a sharp increase in demand from our principal markets in the US, UK, EU and Arabian Gulf for Spring / Summer 2024. As our availability sells out, rates will rise as demand outstrips remaining supply.

Accordingly, we encourage guests to secure preferred dates for the coming season as early as possible.

March 2024 (Peak Season)
St. Patrick's Week 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th now waitlist only. 19th - 27th limited availability. Holy Week 28th - 31st March almost fully booked. Full payment required to secure arrangements.

April 2024 (Shoulder Season)
Fair availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

May 2024 (Peak Season)
Fair availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

June 2024 (High- Peak Season)
June is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

July 2024 (High- Peak Season)
July is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

August 2024 (High- Peak Season)
August is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

September 2024 (Peak Season)
Good availability for most dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

October 2024 (Shoulder Season)
Good availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

November 2024 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

December 2024 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. 25th December extremely limited availability. Traditionally there is a pronounced shortage of suitable drivers between 23rd December and 4th January.

January 2025 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. Reservation at least 72 hours before travel recommended to guarantee service.

February 2025 (Low Season)
Good availability for most dates. Advance booking required for weekends during Six Nations Rugby Championship. Reservation at least 72 hours before travel recommended to guarantee service.

Ticket

You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email immediately at time of booking. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.

Based on a decade of local operational experience and guest feedback, this is our recommended route for this region when covered in one day from Dublin. Hours of 08:00 - 19:30 approx (or consecutive equivalent) are required and a start time of 08:00 is recommended to maximise your experience through the day.