Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel

Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel: 2024 Sightseeing Comparison

Ireland is a small island nation located to the west of the UK that is a tourist attraction in and of itself. With a legendary history and addictive social atmosphere that has influenced European travel for decades, there are many attractions to visit when in Ireland. Blarney Castle in Cork and the Rock of Cashel in Munster are two legendary and popular attractions that always secure a spot on any Irish vacation. If you can only visit one, which is better: Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel?

In terms of overall things to do and sights to see, you will likely have a more well-rounded experience when visiting the Rock of Cashel. Blarney Castle has become more of a novelty attraction with its famous Blarney Stone, but there isn’t much more to see after visiting the popular stone.

CategoryBlarney CastleRock of Cashel
Cost Range for 1 Week$1,316$1,316
Main AttractionsBlarney Castle, Blarney Stone, The English Market, St. Patrick’s Street, The Shandon Bells at St. Anne’s Church, Cork City Gaol, Rock of Cashel, Trok Waterfall, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House, Doolin, Mullagh More, Devil’s Ladder, Derrynane Beach
FoodIrish cuisine prioritizes rustic and natural flavors and ingredients with an emphasis on hearty and filling foods Irish cuisine prioritizes rustic and natural flavors and ingredients with an emphasis on hearty and filling foods 
WeatherThe weather of Ireland is moist and cool throughout most of the year; summers are warm and humid with the possibility of very cold wintersThe weather of Ireland is moist and cool throughout most of the year; summers are warm and humid with the possibility of very cold winters
SafetyIreland is considered to be a safe country for travelers; Political and religious uprisings are common in Dublin, yet there are not any major concerns for vacationersIreland is considered to be a safe country for travelers; Political and religious uprisings are common in Dublin, yet there are not any major concerns for vacationers
TransportationPublic buses, rail networks, taxis, ride-sharing apps, and car rentals are the common forms of transportation near Cork, IrelandPublic buses, rail networks, taxis, ride-sharing apps, and car rentals are the common forms of transportation near Munster, Ireland
CustomsTo enter Ireland for a vacation, you will need a valid passport; if staying for less than 90 days, a visa is not requiredTo enter Ireland for a vacation, you will need a valid passport; if staying for less than 90 days, a visa is not required

Both Blarney Castle and the Roch of Cashel are popular tourist attractions; however, you will likely get a more well-rounded trip by visiting the surrounding areas of Cork and Munster that surround each attraction respectively. Read on to find out more to decide which of these two popular attractions are better for a visit. 

Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel

Cost of Stay: Blarney Castle Vs. Rock of Cashel

The cost of a visit to Ireland is not as expensive as other European nations; however, much of the cost will depend on where you choose to stay. When visiting Blarney Castle in the Cork area, a standard one-week vacation will typically cost in the vicinity of $1,316. Since Ireland is universal when it comes to costs, this price can also correlate to the Munster area as well if you choose to visit the Rock of Cashel. 

Most of your costs will come down to how much you spend each day visiting attractions and traveling. Dining options in both areas are very reasonable, therefore, the bulk of your expenses will be spent on attractions and travel. You can save costs by considering a stay at one of the many affordable hotels when visiting either area. 

Affordable Hotel Options

In Cork Ireland, there are many budget hotel options to choose from. For the best rate, consider staying at Jurys Inn Cork. This beautiful and modern hotel features many rooms that are both spacious and comfortable. This hotel is located in the middle of the county, which allows you to have a good starting point to travel to many attractions. 

In the Munster area, a stay at Mulcahy’s Clonmel offers you a great way to experience some of the old world decors of the Munster area in a comfortable and convenient location. 

Main Attractions

Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel are not the only local attractions to see.

In the Cork area, you should consider taking a tour of the Cork City Gaol (Museum). This small museum not only allows you to learn a bit more about Blarney Castle, but you can also get a full survey of the history of the Cork area. Browse medieval artifacts and take in the sights of what used to be a prison.

Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel: Cost of Stay

In the Munster area, spending a day at nearby Derrynane Beach is a must. This scenic and safe beach is small and intimate, with stunning views of the Atlantic as far as the eyes can see. You can swim in the cool waters or walk along the sandy pebble beach with views of the Irish countryside in the background. 

Food

Irish cuisine prioritizes rustic and natural flavors and ingredients with an emphasis on hearty and filling foods. When in the Cork area, after a tour of Blarney Castle, consider dining at the Old Blarney Post Office Cafe. Despite the name, this is indeed a popular cafe, not a postal service. The cuisine highlights fresh and local ingredients in robust and flavorful ways. 

In the Munster area, after a tour of the Rock of Cashel, consider visiting Mickey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen. Once again, this small and cozy eatery and lounge highlight the local flavors of the Munster countryside. This is also a great way to experience a glass of classic Irish beer. 

Weather

The weather of Ireland is moist and cool throughout most of the year; summers are warm and humid with the possibility of very cold winters. Since there is always the chance for precipitation no matter what time of year it is, it is crucial to pack rain gear when taking a vacation to any part of Ireland.

Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel: Weather

Safety

Ireland is considered to be a safe country for travelers. Political and religious uprisings are common in Dublin, yet there are not any major concerns for vacationers. The strife in the nation is geared towards both political and religious ideologies that have been in contention for decades, yet you will likely not fall into any of this if you are just visiting. 

Transportation

Public buses, rail networks, taxis, ride-sharing apps, and car rentals are the common forms of transportation near both Cork, Ireland and Munster Ireland. Since these attractions are in small villages surrounding by towns, many visitors and locals enjoy walking as much as possible to take in the atmosphere. 

Customs

Vacationing in Ireland is not highly-restrictive. All you will need is a valid passport; if staying for less than 90 days, a visa is not required.

Conclusion: Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel?

When it comes down to which of these two popular attractions is worth visiting in this comparison, the choice is difficult. Both areas of Ireland offer many of the same types of experiences.

Blarney Castle has the legendary Blarney Stone on the grounds, which is said to give a person the gift of eloquence once you kiss the stone. For this reason, a trip to Blarney Castle marks an Irish rite of passage. 

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