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| Cork, South, Ireland |
Blarney is a little village of 5,226 (2006 census) people, famous for being home to Blarney Castle, where the ‘Stone of Eloquence’ is located in the tower wall. The village is set amidst beautiful rolling countryside and lies approximately 9 kilometres north-west of Cork city, in southern Ireland. The village is one of the last remaining ‘estate’ villages, having been built in the 15th century, with the local architecture being mainly Tudor style. The focal point for the village is the square, a flat grassy area enclosed within a waist high perimeter, great for playing football or just lazying around on a warm summer day!! Although the village is only small it has all the necessities of life, a pub, supermarket, restaurant, a Post Office and a couple of banks, B& B’s and guesthouse accommodation. It also has a 19th century woollen factory, where visitors can see the weaving process, and buy some woollen items and local crafts. The woollen industry has been the chief industry in the area for many years, with today adding tourism to the list!!
Of course the main attraction in Blarney is the Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s major tourist attractions. The castle tower stands on a precipitous limestone rock, and lies approximately 200 metres north of the village, with the small and delightful Awmarteen River flowing slowly by. The castle which stands at Blarney today, is actually the third structure built on this site. The first one was built of wood in the 950’s, and was replaced by a stone building in 1210. In turn this was replaced again in 1446, built by Dermont Mac Carthy, King of Munster, and was a much larger structure, as only the Keep still remains. Folklore has it, that a witch, saved from drowning revealed the power of the stone to the Mac Carthys, and the folklore is, that if you kiss the stone, you will never be lost for words!! Sounds like a lot of ol’ Blarney to me, ha ha!!
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Blarney Golf Resort and Spa
Blarney
 |  The Blarney Golf Resort is situated just 8 miles from Cork city. Built in the beautiful and tranquil Shournach Valley close to the historic town of Blarney, renowned worldwide for the Blarney Stone and the gift of eloquence it bestows on all who kiss it.
This resort offers good accommodation for... |
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Irish Experience
11 days |  Experience the Emerald Isle as you visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Magnificent sights include the impressive basalt columns of the Giants Causeway, Galway Bay, the Antrim Coast and the Lake District, before exploring the coveted cities of Belfast, Dublin, Londonderry, Omagh and Limerick.
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Ireland
8 days |  Ireland is famous for Guinness, the Blarney Stone, good music and craic! Take in many of the famous sights on this fantastic jaunt around the country. Enjoy cosmopolitan Dublin and its many bars, learn about the tragic history of "the troubles" in Belfast and Londonderry, before enjoying the scenery... |
Irish Explorer
9 days | Explore the Emerald Isle in depth; beginning in Dublin with an orientation drive that introduces you to the major attractions. Head to Northern Ireland and drive through the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick to the vibrant city of Belfast. Continue north and pass castles and tower ruins, stopping f... |
Wonders of Britain & Ireland
12 days |  Through the cities of London, Bath, Salisbury, Dublin and Oxford, experience the Britain and Ireland of a simpler time. On this tour see medieval castles and churches that have stood for centuries, admire Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stand in awe before the mysterious Stonehenge.
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Best of Ireland and Scotland
14 days |  This tour is suitable for both seasoned and first-time travellers who want a comprehensive tour of Ireland and Scotland. At first glance it appears a very busy tour but there are enough two night stays and leisurely driving days to make it enjoyable. Starting in Dublin and ending in Edinburgh also... |
Introduction to Ireland
7 days |  Dublin and the scenic best of the Irish Republic await you on this beautiful journey, a top seller. In Dublin enjoy an afternoon orientation drive around this vibrant city. A scenic ride through horse-racing country leads you to the National Stud and then to Limerick. Next, savour the breathtaking v... |
Britain & Ireland Discovery
22 days |  This is a well paced tour for those who want a comprehensive tour of Britain and Ireland.
After leaving London you will visit the University city of Oxford, fall in love with the picture perfect Cotswolds and spend your first night in Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. The ladies will enjoy the W... |
Britain & Ireland Explorer
13 days | This is a well paced tour and will suit the experienced and first-time travellers. It is a comprehensive introductiion to the highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland, and will appeal to those with a love of the history and tradition.
From London you travel through Oxfordshire to Shakespeares... |
Country Roads of Ireland
12 days |  This is a great tour for those wanting to experience both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The tour starts in Dublin and then travels north alongside the beautiful Mountains of Mounre to Belfast. Continue along the coast to Carrickfergs and Ballygally Bay. From there to Derry, stopp... |
Best of Ireland
10 days | The Best of Ireland tour is a great way to get an overview of Ireland and it's many towns. With 10 days to explore all the major towns & cities whilst enjoying the country side as you travel and seeing numerous attractions along the way.
Beginning in the capital Dublin & heading south to Waterford ... |
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