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About
Blarney Island
Welcome to Blarney Island: an enchanting escape nestled on the serene waters of Antioch, Illinois. Just a ferry ride away, this vibrant destination promises a unique experience that feels "one mile away from reality." As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I’m excited to delve deeper into the culinary offerings and the delightful ambience at Blarney Island.
Located at 27760 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, IL, this bustling hotspot offers not just a picturesque setting but a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation. With ferry departures every 15 to 30 minutes, accessing this lively island is convenient and engaging.
- Atmosphere: From the moment you step on the island, you are greeted by welcoming staff members who are eager to share their knowledge about the venue. The environment is filled with friendly faces and a laid-back vibe, often accompanied by live music that elevates your mood.
- Culinary Experience: While reviews are mixed regarding the food, guests have often highlighted the delicious burritos and Portobello tacos enjoyed during their visits. The prices may vary, but many agree that the attractive drink specials and atmosphere make up for it.
- Entertainment: Blarney Island is not just about the food—live bands and DJs create an electric atmosphere, promoting a party-like experience that resembles a Caribbean getaway.
- Family-Friendly: Children are welcome until 7 p.m., making it an excellent choice for family outings. After hours, the island transforms into a lively adult retreat, complete with a strict age policy to maintain a vibrant nightlife.
Many visitors, like Nicole Tuquilar Karlsen, have praised the attentive service, acknowledging that the staff work diligently to ensure a pleasant experience. Others have pointed out that although the food may not always steal the show, the overall ambiance and fantastic views make it a must-visit destination.
In conclusion, Blarney Island is a captivating venue worth experiencing, whether you are in search of hearty meals, refreshing drinks, or an exciting night filled with music and laughter. As the sun sets over the water, there’s a magical quality to this hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Trust me, the energy, entertainment, and engaging people will beckon you to return.
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“ While waiting on the ferry to take us to Blarney Island, we sat in the bar,had a couple of alcoholic drinks with a 16 in pizza. All the staff were friendly and answered questions we had about the island. Blarney Island as they say "one mile away from reality" situated on the lake. There are plenty of boat slips,also places to rent boats. The ferry runs every 15 minutes or every half hour to an hour depending on the crowd. There is food served so children are allowed on the island until 7 p.m. after that time no one under 21 is admitted. There is security on the premises, alcohol is served, usually a live band and DJ for the music. They open at 10:30 a.m. and the last Ferry is off the island by 2 a.m. ”
“ Welcoming, accepting and friendly environment. Excellent entertainment and music. Extremely fair and reasonable prices. A location everyone should experience! ”
“ The experience and band were really good. The food, not so much. I will definitely go again, just eat first. ”
“ Went their last month in the middle of May. Fantastic experience. They went over above and beyond of my expections. The two lady servers were helpful and keeping with consistent communication with letting know the portobello tacos ran out. They also mentioned that there’s one chef that’s new and I was alright and understanding because I know hospitality can be challenging. I got one of their burritos that was super delicious. The food prices may be a bit reasonable for some but it’s because it’s a bar attraction. They were able to compensate my food and I knew I will come back again! The music and dancing vibes definitely feels like you are going to one of the Carribean Islands. The drinks are very reasonable though! We have stayed for many hours. Good vibes! Thank you all for being awesome! ”
“ First time and it was the last day of the season. I forgot to post but I wanted to say even though it was not as packed as I’m sure it is in the summer, we did have a great time. Food and drinks were good. Live band was nice and we will definitely be back this year!!! ”
“ Always a great time at Blarney Island. Plenty of space inside and out. Only issue at times is finding a place to dock your boat. Thursday nights are busy for the boat races there and you pay to dock on Thursdays when they have the boat races. When we went on a Friday afternoon, we did not have to pay to dock. Good times ahead! Enjoy! ”
“ So much fun! What a fun experience. I will say the bathroom are a bit rough and the food isn’t the greatest. But the live band and music made it enjoyable ”
“ I visited Blarney's Island for a private party. The "island" is a man made structure in the middle of the chain of lakes. The only way to get on the "Island" is via boat. You can drive your own private boat and dock free of charge or you can take a Blarney's shuttle boat that runs regularly back and forth to land about every 20-30 minutes. The shuttle boat holds about 40 people and costs 20 per person. Live music turned into DJ with dancing as the day turned to evening then night. The party was great and the crowd was very diverse and fun. Definitely worth a trip to see this one of a kind destination bar / nightclub. ”