The Most Famous and Off Beaten Castles in Europe

10.10.2022.

The fairy-tale invite includes castles, specially European ones that are so abundant in every country. At the hilly landscapes full of greenery castles shine like pearls.

Germany definitely wins counting the castles but I’m sorry to avoid the most famous one- Neuschweistein Castle. I’m happy to visit it myself soon as it’s been the dream for years. Taking the road trip around magical castles is special castle dream.

Loire Valley spells not only magic, but the highest level of elegance coming with the castles.

Let’s emphasize the meaning of castles and put a line towards palaces. Castles are fortified places serving once as someone’s residence. Palaces belonged to the rich classes, often fabulously ornated but not fortified.

Due to the contributions I got, the most appropriate title to this post would be- Castles Off The Beaten Track. Not completely so the famous castles also join the collection. Find new travel inspiration in this post where I collaborated with more than 20 amazing bloggers. Discover new dreamy destinations- castles.

FRANCE:

Castle Chantilly, France, contributed by myself

Castle Chantilly is a fantastic alternative to Versaille without many crowds. It’s easily reachable from Paris by train, though already located in Picardy. Allure of the castle belongs to its lake, to the surrounding forest and its impressive interior. Chantilly town is popular by cream and lace.

The original aim of the castle was defensive protecting the road from Paris towards Senlis.

Petit Château is the oldest building dating back to 1560 dedicated to Anne de Montmorency. Grand Château is successfully renewed after the destruction.

The castle also covers Conde Museum, gardens and horse museum. The exquisite paintings of Botticelli or Raphael cherish their place inside Conde Museum. The antique collection is actually the second largest in France. The library is pretty rich thanks to Henry d’ Orléans.

The huge canals in the garden served to water the plants. It’s an oasis where the French gardens intertwines with the English.

Today the castle hosts several prominent events like international fireworks competition or rowing regata.

Château de Chambord, Loire Valley- contributed by Imee Magbag from Journey To France

One of the most amazing castles in Europe is the Château de Chambord in Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, France. In just a few hours, you can travel through 500 years of history, from the Renaissance architecture influenced by Leonardo da Vinci to the fully furnished apartments of the 18th century. The sheer size of the building is staggering, with its 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 77 stairways.

Films (with subtitles in four languages) shown inside the château’s main building introduce visitors to the castle’s history and design. The kitchens from the 18th century are on the ground floor, but the most fascinating apartments, including the king’s private quarters, are on the first floor. 

The great lantern tower is reached through the iconic double-helix stairway that rises through the center of the building. The rooftop is the best place to take in the expansive grounds and admire the building’s impressive array of cupolas, domes, turrets, and chimneys.

Château de Chambord is easily reached (in less than three hours total) from Paris’ Gare d’Austerlitz. When you arrive in Blois, take the bus to Chambord (#118 or #02) and walk 13 minutes to the château.

Carcassonne, contributed by Lena Drevermann from Salut from Paris

If you are hunting down the most amazing castles in Europe, you can’t leave Carcassonne out. Carcassonne is a fortified city in Occitanie, a region in the South of France. It is famous for its impressive more than 3km long ramparts and the castle they are protecting.  

The Citadel of Carcassonne has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Carcassonne is special due to its hilltop location which made it a strategically important fortress throughout the French history, starting as early as roman times. 

The citadel got carefully restored in the 19th century. It is a beautiful place to visit if you love strolling along winding alleys and cobblestone lanes. 

When entering the citadel, you’ll entering the gorgeous old town with many stores, restaurants and creperies. But also a magnificent view over the region, if you climb up the ramparts. 

Make sure to try the local dish Cassoulet with beans, sausage and duck, but also one of the famous Languedoc wines that are produced in the region. They are perfect for a French aperitif!

SPAIN:

Colomares Castle, Spain- contributed by Linn Haglund from Amused by Andalucia

One of the most picturesque castles in Spain was surprisingly not built as a castle, but as a monument for Christopher Columbus and the Discovery Ear. Overlooking Benalmadena town, Colomares Castle Spain features epic views of the deep blue Mediterranean and Costa del Sol.

By bus, you can get there is 30 minutes from Benalmadena, but if you drive, it only takes 15 minutes and half an hour from Malaga. There are a few free parking places right outside the castle entrance. The uniqueness of this castle looking like a massive sandcastle will amaze anyone, but especially if you travel with children, they will be thrilled to climb the narrow stairs to little balconies to get a better view of the castle grounds and Instagrammers will love the view from the pirate ship terrace overlooking the castle. To enter the castle is only 3 Euros and you can spend as long as you want on the grounds, but a visit including taking loads of pictures will normally take 20-30 minutes.

Alhambra, contributed by Milijana from World Travel Connector

The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, is one of the most famous castles in the world. 

Visiting breathtaking Alhambra always tops lists of the things to do in Spain. The Alhambra Palace is the most visited site in Spain. 

This spectacular palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alhambra represents a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. 

The palace dates back to Roman times. But the architectural peak was in the 8th when Moors ruled this part of Spain and called it Al Andalus. The most magnificent part of the palace is the Nasrid Palace with the famous Patio of the Lions. But nothing less impressive are Generalife Palace with Gardens, Comares Palace with Court of the Myrtle, Palace of Carlos V, and Alcazaba fort. 

When you see Alhambra Palace, it gets clear why Alhambra Palace is the most visited site in Spain. More than 2 million people a year visit incredible Alahambra. Alhambra is a must-see in a lifetime.

Visitors can tour Alhambra on their own or join a guided tour to get valuable insights into the history of Alhambra, Granada, and Al Andalus. 

If you haven’t visited Alhambra still, it is time to head to Granada. 

The Malaga International Airport (AGP) is the closest airport to Granada. A train ride from Malaga to Granada takes only one hour and 15 min, while a bus ride takes 2 hours. 

PORTUGAL:

Pena Palace, Sintra- contributed by Erin Hynes from Pina Travels

Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of several castles in Sintra, Portugal. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic castle is made up of a mixture of different architectural styles, and it’s painted bright yellow and red. It rests at the very top of Sintra mountain, with beautiful aerial views of the surrounding region.

To visit Pena Palace, you’ll travel to the small town of Sintra. This municipality is just a 1 hour train ride from Lisbon, and so it’s possible to visit Sintra as a day trip. Trains from Lisbon run every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends from Rossio Station, which is in the center of Lisbon, and goes to Sintra Train Station. 

Pena Palace is one of the most popular sites in Sintra, and so it’s important to book your ticket in advance, either in Sintra town through a tourism office or hotel, or online. You can buy a ticket to tour the outside of the palace and the surrounding gardens, as well as to tour the inside of the palace. If you tour both the inside and outside of Pena Palace, be sure to plan enough time. You can easily spend several hours exploring the palace and the surrounding grounds and gardens. 

AUSTRIA:

Esterhazy Palace, contributed by Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina

The Esterhazy palace is located in Eisenstadt, the Burgenland region, in Austria. The palace is known for its beautiful outer and inner baroque rooms and gardens. The Esterhazy family, a Hungarian nobility family, was rewarded by the Austrian Habsburgs with this castle, turned palace, for their loyalty. The palace gained on fame thanks to Joseph Haydn, a famous classic composer. He was the family’s own music conductor and a friend who stayed in the palace during his lifetime. An event hall in his name is the palace’s showpiece. Classical concerts are still held in the Haydn hall, as the acoustics have been perfected, making it one of the most important concert halls in the world. The ceiling hall is decorated in elaborate stucco and fresco paintings, depicting Greek and roman mythological stories. Visitors will also enjoy the large palace gardens, unique wine vaults and the Haydn house. The palace is located right in the city of Eisenstadt, so taking a stroll to this down to earth city is absolutely recommended.

SWITZERLAND:

Chillon Castle, contributed by Caroline Muller from Veggie Way Farer

The Chillon Castle is perched on beautiful Lake Geneva in the equally magnificent Vaud Region in western Switzerland. There are various options to get there: A 2-hour romantic boat cruise on a steam peddler starting in Lausanne is by far to most scenic route, however, if time is of the essence hop on a bus from nearby Montreux (a 10-minute ride) and stop right in front of the castle entrance.
The oldest section of the castle dates back to the 10^th century, however over the various centuries it was built & rebuilt according to the latest fashion making it into the stunning castle you see before you today. The architecture is characterized by three eras, the Savoy era (12^th to 16^th century); the Bernese era (16^th to 18^th century) and the Vaudois era (18^th century to present day).
From April to October, the castle is open between 09.00 and 18.00 and from November to March 10.00 to 17.00. Tickets can be bought directly at the entrance or online. Adult tickets including an audio guide (highly recommendable) cost 15 CHF per person.

GERMANY:

Marienberg Fortress, Wurzburg- contributed by Brandon from Zimmin Around The World

The Marienberg Fortress is located in the Bavarian city of Würzburg. 
The Marienberg Fortress sits on top of a hill overlooking the city and 
is a prominent and well-known landmark in Würzburg. The castle has 
been at its current site for over a thousand years and has expanded 
over time to what it currently is today. Unfortunately, the castle was 
destroyed during WWII but has since been fully restored.
The Marienberg Fortress is a major attraction in Würzburg and can be 
accessed via a footpath to the top. For those that are not looking to 
walk far, there is a road leading to a parking lot near the castle 
entrance.
The castle is easily accessible once there. It is recommended to walk 
the grounds, go through the gardens, and look over the walls for 
fascinating views of Würzburg. There is a castle museum that is 
interesting and has an art collection from the Middle Ages and other 
artifacts related to the castle. It is also recommended to view the 
castle at night as it is lit up. One of the best spots to view the 
castle both during the day and at night is from the Alte Mainbrücke or 
Old Main Bridge.

ITALY:

Aragon Castle of Ischia, contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

The Aragon Castle of Ischia is a small fortress set atop an island in the Gulf of Naples and dates back to the 5th century B.C. This castle is also an island, accessible from the larger island of Ischia by a man made bridge. On the castle grounds, you’ll find a crypt, a small torture and armory museum, and several chapels, all dating from different periods in the area’s long and storied history. There is also a contemporary art exhibit, remains from a convent, and an exhibit showing winemaking equipment used by monks who once inhabited the island. 

One of the most memorable features of the castle is its multiple lookout points, offering stunning views of the Italian coastline, the nearby island of Capri, and the Island of Ischia. If you need a break while wandering the castle grounds, there are two cafes with stunning terraces where you can sip an Aperol spritz or an espresso, depending on your preference.

To reach the Aragon Castle of Ischia, take a 90 minute ferry ride from Naples to the Port of Ischia. The castle is about a 35 minute walk or 15 minute taxi ride from the main port. On a warm day, you can swim or lounge in the sun on the volcanic rocks along the land bridge that connects the castle to Ischia.

San Marino Castle, contributed by J.J.Jordan from Travel Across The Bordeline

Tiny San Marino is one of the world’s smallest countries. The Micro-state is situated in a mountainous region high above Northern Italy and has a population of just 33 thousand people. Many people have never heard of San Marino, which is a shame as it is one of the most stunning countries in Europe and a unique place to visit. 

The main reason you should visit San Marino? Because you will literally feel like you have just walked into a real-life fairy-tale! The castle of San Marino is beautiful and features three individual towers perched on the three highest points of San Marino. The castle towers have been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. 

The incredible hilltop castle dates back to the 15th century and takes in the breath-taking views of the surrounding Italian countryside. You can buy a combined ticket for the towers and public palace at the tower’s ticket office for €10.50. For this you can spend the day exploring the 3 towers perched up above the old walled city and take in some of the most spectacular views you will ever see, all whilst feeling like an actual Disney princess.

You can easily visit San Marino as a day trip from many popular Italian destinations such as the resort town of Rimini, or Bologna which is only a 1.5hr drive away.

SLOVENIA:

Predjama Castle, contributed by Shanna Schultz from Travel With Shanna

Predjama Castle in Slovenia is located one hour south west of Ljubljana, Slovenia.  The castle was built in the 13th century high up on a rock face, making for particularly striking photo opportunities (it is one of the most photographed places in Slovenia).  The walls of the castle merge with the solid rock of the cave on top of which it is built, making this a nearly impregnable fortress.  

The strength of the castle was tested when the knight Erazem of Predjama withstood a siege in the castle’s walls for over a year!  There were tunnels in the cave that led out, so that they could get food from nearby villages, and water filtered down through the rocks and was collected so that the castle’s inhabitants could survive for so long.  The captivating story of love and betrayal and secret tunnels has made the castle a popular spot for filming films and documentaries.  

The castle makes for a great day trip from Ljubljana and it is easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Postojna Cave.  You can buy a combination ticket for both attractions, and a shuttle bus takes visitors in between the two attractions.

SLOVAKIA:

Bratislava Castle, contributed by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

Bratislava Castle is one of the most iconic castles in Europe overlooking the underrated capital of Slovakia. Whether you only have time to visit Bratislava in one day or if you stay for a weekend, the castle is a must visit. Most tourists just tour around the castle to get pretty pictures from the outside and stroll through the gardens. And it might be the most beautiful attraction of the castle, especially the views of the Danube River. Yet, it is worth going inside to see the different exhibitions. You will walk out of there much richer in history knowledge, and about the war as it houses the Slovak National Museum of History. But there are also interesting temporary exhibitions. The castle dates back to the 9^th century but has undergone several restoration rounds since then. The entry fee is 10 Euros for adults to see the inside and the museums. The castle is an easy walk from Bratislava’s old town and is easily found as you can see it from several points in the city.

ROMANIA:

Hunyadi Castle, contributed by Andreean Ioana from Andoreia

Hunyadi Castle (also called Corvin Castle or Hunedoara Castle) is a beautiful medieval castle situated in the city of Hunedoara, Romania. It has an idyllic location, perched on a rock above the Zlasti river.

Dating from the 15th century, this Renaissance-Gothic structure is quite impressive (it’s actually one of the largest of its kind in Europe): it has several towers, defensive bastions, a great hall, an inner courtyard, as well as several other rooms.

While it’s not located exactly close to Bucharest, Romania’s capital city where you’ll find the main airport, Hunyadi Castle can still be reached relatively easy by either car, train, or tour from there. Out of the three, I recommend renting a car or booking a tour since the train can take a lot of time and it’s not direct.

Given the rising popularity of the castle in recent years, it is usually better to visit it during the week, when it’s not as crowded.

Peles Castle, contributed by Anda Bartos from Travel For A While

Peles Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The first Romanian king, Carol I, commissioned a castle after falling in love with the landscape of Sinaia, under Bucegi Mountains. He chose the project of an Alpine-style castle, to fit both the king’s status but also the mountains in the background.

My favorite part of visiting Peles Castle is when you walk up through the forest towards the castle. After one turn of the alley, the castle appears majestic in the distance.

The park and terraces surrounding Peles Castle are free to visit. You can only visit Peles castle on a guided tour, and it’s a tour worth taking. After visiting Peles, head to Pelisor, the former residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Mary.

There’s a coffee shop on the grounds, and the terrace has one of the best views over the palace.

You can get to Peles on a train from Bucharest or Brasov to Sinaia station. The other option is to join an organized tour from  Bucharest, visiting both Peles and Bran Castle on the same day.

POLAND:

Chęciny Castle, contributed by Jakub Juszyński from Tymrazem

Chęciny is a medieval city located near Kielce in Poland. The city itself is very interesting, but the first object that catches the eye is the castle towering over the city, or actually its ruins. Its characteristic towers resemble chimneys from a distance, but they are genuine castle buildings with a beautiful panorama of the area.

Chęciny are located near the expressway connecting Krakow with Warsaw, and from the nearby Kielce you can get here in several minutes. If you do not have a car, the best option is to come to Kielce and use a bus or minibus.

The castle has towers available to tourists with an amazing view, an imitation of the treasury, souvenir stands and other attractions. The town of Chęciny, situated at the foot of the castle, is also worth visiting. You will find there interesting churches, monasteries, a former synagogue, a Jewish cemetery and interesting tenement houses.

The castle is located on a hill, but it is not the only hill in the area – many of them are nature reserves that are also worth visiting (eg Miedzianka, Zelejowa).

Moszna Castle, contributed by Diana from Travels in Poland

Located in southwestern Poland, Moszna Castle is a beautiful gothic and baroque style castle that has served as a backdrop for thousands of weddings and special events.  With acres of gardens and open areas, the castle grounds provide plenty of space for walking through the tall trees and providing opportunities for beautiful photographs.  The castle is one of the most featured castles in Poland and in the world, renowned for its architecture, with a set of staircases in the back going down to a pond, with spires to the left and right providing a spectacular backdrop.

Visitors can stay overnight in one of its many restored rooms, with additional features such as an indoor restaurant, small greenhouse, and even opportunities to take indoor tours. It is best to reserve a room in advance as the castle is a popular destination for special events throughout the year.

To get to the castle, car or bus is the easiest.  It is about 1.5 hours from Wroclaw, and while day trips from Krakow are possible, it is around 3 hours one way, making it worth staying the night.

CZECH REPUBLIC:

Prague Castle, contributed by Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

Please find my contribution attached and let me know if anything needs to be adjusted from my side.

Prague Castle is the top-known and admired landmark of the Czech capital. The UNESCO-listed site is situated on a hill in the Hradčany district and looms over the similarly picturesque Charles Bridge.

Prague Castle is officially the largest castle complex in the world. It’s made up of different structures from various eras. While the base was laid as early as the 8th century, most of the buildings come from the 14th century onwards. In the heart of the castle complex lies the most significant structure – the St. Vitus Cathedral. It gives the Prague castle silhouette its distinct shape.

As a visitor, you can go for a stroll through the castle complex and its garden for free but it’s highly advisable you purchase a ticket and see the interiors too. You can pay a visit to the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. For an extra fee, you can climb to the top of the South Tower of the Cathedral, from where there are magnificent views.

The easiest way to get to Prague Castle is to take a tram no. 22 to a stop called Pražský hrad (Prague Castle). A short walk to the left will take you straight to one of the entrances.

SWEDEN:

Lacko Castle, contributed by Bradley from Dream Big, Travel Far

Europe abounds with spectacular castles that span many eras and architectural styles. On Kållandsö island in Sweden stands the famous and impressive Lacko Castle. Its structure is a remnant of the ancient Baroque period, while its interior still contains old-time furniture and artwork.

Choosing your destination is a vital part of planning any trip, and Lacko Castle is a fantastic choice for history buffs and lovers of incredible views alike. Built back in 1298, the castle has gone through multiple fires, reconstructions, and ownerships, but still maintains an antique sense of charm and allure.

There is a beautiful and peaceful garden area around the grounds filled with massive trees, winding paths, and the scenic Lake Vänern—also Sweden’s largest lake. The best time to visit would be in July when the Lacko Castle Opera organizes an epic opera production for the guests. It’s just two hours away by car from Gothenburg, which makes it a great destination for a day trip!

DENMARK:

Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen- contributed by Theresa from Fueled by Wanderlust

Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark was built between 1606 and 1607 as a summer house for King Christian IV.  Before today’s urban sprawl, Rosenborg Castle sat beyond the city walls and was a favorite respite for the King. So much so, that on his death bed the King requested to be transferred there by sleigh to spend the final days.

While the castle is not large, it’s incredibly well-preserved, having been repurposed to house the royal collections around 1710.  As a result, the castle retains all its original character and furnishings, giving visitors a look into what royal life was like in the 17^th century. 

Today, the mansion-like structure sits tranquilly in a park surrounded by ornate gardens.  Guards stand watch outside to protect the crown jewels that are stored below the building.  Visitors can wander through the rooms to see vast sets of dishes, jewelry, fine furnishings, grand mirrors and artwork.

Before leaving, head to the basement to see the Danish crown jewels, which may only be used by the Queen within Denmark’s border.

Tickets to Rosenborg Castle cost 125DKK (16 USD) and is covered under the Copenhagen Card.  The castle is reachable on foot or via the city’s extensive metro line (Norreport Station), making a visit easy to squeeze into a Copenhagen day trip. 

UK, WALES & SCOTLAND:

Elisabeth Castle, Jersey- contributed by Coralie Thornton from Grey Globetrotters

Elizabeth Castle, is one of three castles in Jersey in the British Channel Islands. Located on a tiny tidal islet in the bay of St Aubin, the castle is cut off by the tide twice every 24 hours! At high tide, the only way to access the castle is by amphibious boat; however, at low tide, there’s a concrete walkway you can take instead.

The castle was constructed in the late 16^th century and named after Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh, Jersey’s Governor at the time. During the turbulent English Civil War, King Charles II lived in the castle briefly, before becoming King in 1650. His thanks to the island for their support was land in America, which he called New Jersey!

Over the years the castle was added to, as it was the main defence for Jersey against the threat of invasion from France. More recently, when Jersey was occupied by German forces during the second world war, new concrete fortifications and gun turrets were added.

The castle is easy to explore independently, but the best way to learn all of its secrets is to book one of the free 90-minute walking tours with a Jersey Heritage guide.

Dover Castle, contributed by Ann Kelly & Rick van Brakel from The Road Is Life

Located on the far eastern corner of England, Dover Castle is one of the country’s most well known fortresses. For more than 950 years, this incredibly well preserved castle has stood on top of the White Cliffs of Dover defending the country from wars and invasions.

One of the highlights of visiting Dover Castle is exploring The Great Tower. Wander through a series of medieval rooms fully decorated and furnished to resemble a 12th century palace. Climb the spiral staircase until you reach the top of the tower for an amazing view over the White Cliffs and surrounding countryside.

Underneath the castle you’ll find a network of war tunnels both from the medieval times and WWII. Once you have finished your time at Dover Castle, make your way to the White Cliffs for a scenic walk looking out over the English Channel.

The best way to see Dover Castle is by taking a day trip to Dover from London. To reach Dover you can either book an organised day tour or take the fast train from London. Trains depart frequently throughout the day from London’s St. Pancras Station and the journey takes just over one hour.

Edinburgh Castle, contributed by Moumita Paul from Chasing the Long Road

Sitting dramatically on an extinct volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline. Located at the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle is one of the best castles in Scotland. 

Steep in history, this medieval castle has a turbulent past. Throughout history, this fortress has seen many battles and sieges. It houses many historical artefacts, including the Scottish Crown Jewel – known as the Honours of Scotland. Wander around the Great Hall, the Royal Palace and the St. Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest surviving structure inside the castle. Take a look inside the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland. 

You can easily spend a few hours exploring the grounds of the castle. Visitors will enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the city from the castle terrace and towers. Watch the 1 pm Gun Fire ceremony from the Mills Mount Battery. It’s a century-old tradition for notifying time to the nearby ships.

The castle is within a short walking distance from the Edinburgh Waverley railway station and is easily reachable by public transport.

Conwy Castle, Wales- contributed by Paulina from UK Every Day

By the River, Conwy lies one of Wales’ finest medieval castles in Europe. Conwy Castle is set in a picturesque location where you can enjoy incredible views of the Snowdonia mountains and the historic town Conwy.

Explore Conwy Town walls for free or visit the most expensive Welsh fortress that was ever built between 1283-1289. The best way to get there is by car from Liverpool. It only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive to Conwy from the Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The towers of the castle provide breathtaking viewpoints on the river and Conwy Suspension Bridge which was one of the first structures of this type in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which is so well preserved that is a fantastic place to visit while exploring one of many castles that Wales has to offer.

If you want to learn a bit more about the Irion Ring of Castles that were a series of fortifications instructed to be built by Edward I to create walled towns like in France, Conwy Castle is a Welsh masterpiece that cannot be missed during your visit to the UK.

IRELAND:

Blarney Castle, contributed by Catherine Jordan from Travel Around Ireland

An amazing castle to visit in Europe is Blarney Castle. Located in County Cork, Ireland, around 20 minutes from Cork City, Blarney Castle is one of the most popular castles visited by tourists to Ireland and is also one of the most famous historical sites in Ireland. It is easily reached by car, public transport from Cork City or via a tour group.

What makes Blarney so popular and special with tourists is a stone found at the top of the castle, the Blarney Stone. Visitors from around the world flock to Blarney to kiss the stone, as legend says those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be bestowed the gift of the gab and never be stuck for words. Whether this legend is true or not, it doesn’t stop hundreds of thousands of visitors going to Blarney Castle each year.

But the Blarney Stone isn’t the only amazing thing about this castle. The gardens of Blarney Castle are a wondrous sight and are vast. While you might want to visit to kiss the Blarney Stone, the grounds are something not to be missed.

The extensive grounds have two waterfalls, several different types of gardens including a rose garden, poisons garden, arboretum and even a fern garden. For those travelling with little ones there is a fairy garden and a playground. And the stables now house a café for refreshments. Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens are an amazing place in Europe to visit.

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