Dublin, Ireland
 

Going to Dublin for 4 days. Is the Blarney Stone far? Can we rent a car to get there?

Yes, Blarney Castle is just north of Cork, which is about 160 miles away and taking around 4 hours non-stop. I wouldn't do it as a day trip. Best to stay overnight in Cork or nearby like Kinsale. <BR>But IMO Blarney Castle (and Stone) is bit of a tourist trap and not something worth going specially to see. There are many other places in County Cork that are far more interesting. I suggest somewhere much nearer Dublin, the ruins at Glendalough, which you can do on a day trip with Bus Eireann from Busaras.

Blarney Castle is a very crowded tourist trap. Expect to stand in line for an hour or more, entering and exiting through the trusty gift shop.

Forget the Blarney Castle and visit the Glendalough area, Powerscourt Gardens, New Grange. Much more interesting and closer to Dublin.

Even though it is touristy I love Blarney Castle. It is right out of a fairy tale. We went early and there were very few tourists. The gardens were magical, it was so cute the little Irish children were looking for sprites with their teacher in the ponds.