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Blarney House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Blarney House is a magnificent Scottish Baronial style mansion located within the grounds of the famous Blarney Castle estate in County Cork. The current house was completed in 1874 to the designs of architect Sir Charles Lanyon, replacing an 18th-century structure that had been tragically destroyed by fire. Characterized by its ornate turrets, steep gables, and intricate stonework, the building is a quintessential example of high Victorian architectural taste. It is set amidst rolling parkland with sweeping views of Blarney Lake, providing a domestic contrast to the rugged ruins of the medieval castle nearby. Inside, the house retains much of its original grandeur, featuring a fine collection of antiques, period furniture, and ancestral portraits belonging to the Colthurst family, who still reside there. While many visitors are drawn by the legend of the Blarney Stone, the house features a fascinating look into the lifestyle of the Irish landed gentry during the late 19th century.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: The Rock Close · Druids Circle · The Witch Stone
Nearby: Ballincollig (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	5	6	8	11	13	15	15	13	11	8	6
Rain mm	117	88	87	78	84	90	96	102	89	120	124	124

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Blarney House is a Scottish Baronial style mansion on the grounds of Blarney Castle. The house is open to the public; guided tours are available.

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Typical hours

Opening hours are seasonal; open daily in peak season. Check the Blarney Castle website for exact times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the house without flash. The exterior facade and gardens offer great subjects.

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Time needed

Allow about 1 hour for the house tour. Combine this with visiting Blarney Castle for a half-day trip.

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Combine with

Naturally combine with Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone. The gardens and park are also worth visiting.

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Getting there

The estate is in Blarney, about 8 km from Cork. Accessible by car via the N20; ample parking available.

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Insider tip

Buy a combined ticket for Blarney Castle and Blarney House to save money. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Geography

Coordinates

51.92880, -8.56720

Facts

Blarney House was built in 1874 and remains the ancestral home of the Colthursts.
The architect, Sir Charles Lanyon, also designed the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast.
The house is situated 200 yards from the medieval Blarney Castle tower.
It features a distinctive great hall with a high ceiling and period weaponry.
The estate includes over 60 acres of parkland and diverse gardens.
The house is open to the public only during the peak summer season.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Blarney Castle<1 km · WExplore →

Ballincollig5 km · SExplore →

Cork7 km · SEExplore →

Passage West15 km · SEExplore →

Port of Cork18 km · EExplore →

Fota Arboretum and Gardens20 km · EExplore →

Ringaskiddy Port20 km · SEExplore →

Cobh20 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Blarney House (10)

The Rock Close

Rocky garden on the Blarney estate. Mystical rock formations and ancient trees.

🌐 blarneycastle.ie

Druids Circle

Ruins of a stone circle. Prehistoric ritual site on the Blarney grounds.

The Witch Stone

Ruins of a rock. Legendary stone in the Rock Close.

Sacrificial Altar

Ruins of an altar. Likely a prehistoric sacrificial site.

The Seven Sisters

Group of seven trees on the Blarney estate.

Guard Tower

Guard tower on the Blarney grounds. Historic lookout tower.

Blarney House🏰 castle

Country house in County Cork, Ireland. 19th-century home of the Colthurst family.

Church of the Resurrection

Church in Blarney, County Cork, Ireland. 19th-century Anglican church.

Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary

Nature reserve near Blarney. Protected landscape with woods and trails.

Lisnaguirrua

Archaeological site in County Cork. Remains of an ancient settlement.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Blarney House the same as Blarney Castle?

No, it is a 19th-century mansion located on the same grounds as the castle ruins.

Can you visit Blarney House?

Yes, the house is open for guided tours during the summer months (usually June to August).

Do I need a separate ticket?

Access to the grounds is included in the Blarney Castle ticket, but an extra fee may apply for the house.

Who lives in Blarney House today?

It is the family home of the Colthurst family, who have owned the estate for generations.

What is the architectural style of the house?

It was built in the Scottish Baronial style and stands out with its turrets and gables.

Blarney House: where is it located?

Blarney House is located in Ireland.

Blarney House: what is there to see?

Highlights include The Rock Close, Druids Circle, The Witch Stone.

Blarney House: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Blarney House: why is it worth visiting?

Blarney House is a magnificent Scottish Baronial style mansion located within the grounds of the famous Blarney Castle estate in County Cork.

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