Property Focus: Blarney and Tower draws more than just tourists

The suburb is an attractive location offering convenient access to the city

Blarney Castle is a major draw for tourists in Ireland. Picture: Larry Cummins

Tourist go to Blarney to kiss the famous stone in hopes of getting the gift of the gab, while its residents are drawn there by convenience to the city and the attractiveness of its sylvan location.

Unique because of its medieval castle and well-preserved village square, Blarney, located just eight kilometres northwest of Cork city, has in recent years become a popular satellite village, attracting buyers working on the western side of the city and in Ballincollig. Robert Harkin of Harkin & Associates says he has noticed an increased number of city buyers in the last few years. “In the past buyers were the sons and daughters of people living here — now you have people coming from all parts of the city.’’ But due to the lack of new housing development in the area and a shortage of second-hand properties, he says the increase isn’t as large as it might be.