We arrived late (20.00 / 8pm), but had called in advance. That's always a good idea, as we had already secured a booking at the restaurant, where the kitchen closes at 21.30 on weekdays (July 2016).
The hotel is just as in the pictures, just lovely, and the drive is definitely worth it. Spend the Day at Blarney to visit the Castle and if you can, go for a scenic walk at the nearby Castleview Running Trail, which offers spectacular views of the scenery around Blarney.