Tour from Dublin
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.
"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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.