Leave bright and early from Dublin Heuston Station on a morning train to Cork to begin your day trip. Have a leisurely breakfast on board as you traverse picturesque southern Ireland (all food and drinks are at your own expense), and then disembark in Cork and head straight to Blarney Castle, just a short coach jaunt from the city.
Tour the grounds and look for marked attractions such as rock formations fancifully named ‘Witch’s Kitchen’ and a ‘Poison Garden,’ housing a collection of poisonous plants. Then explore the castle ruins and learn a bit about the site’s beguiling and chaptered history. Climb to the top to visit the ‘Stone of Eloquence,’ known by many as the Blarney Stone; if you — like many others — wish to acquire the gift of eloquence, take your turn giving the stone a kiss.
Next, take your newly refined speaking ability and head into the village of Blarney. Explore the colorful architecture, do a little shopping and enjoy lunch before heading back to Cork for a city tour.
Your historical excursion concludes with a visit to Cobh and the Queenstown Story Heritage Center. Explore the beautifully restored Victorian railway station that was the largest embarkation point for emigration in Irish history, and hear the harrowing and hopeful story of Annie, the first Irish emigrant to reach Ellis Island, as well as others like her. Then board the train for a relaxing return journey to Dublin, where your day trip ends at the station.
