The bars are so fun! Lot of potential and a lot of room for big groups for birthdays or a family get together. Lot of room for boats to tie up. The bartenders are so nice and decently priced. There are also machines on the side of the bar as well. The food is mediocre. They have a decent menu but for the price they don't give you much of a portion and not the best food I've had. There are also shirts and stickers for sale if you wanted a little souvenir. Will go back just for the scenery and the drinks. read more

Boat races on Thursdays. Lots of boat slips for everyone on the chain. Huge bar that can get out of control quick. Always fun during the day. read more

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Boots with the fur 10/10 Food was mid, except the fried pickles which were really good! Live music 10/10, really good vibes and ambiance, overall had a great time! Only downside was the "drink special" which was super watered down Body paint night was an interesting choice but overall enjoyable. Make sure you bring cash for the ferry because the atm fee is $6 read more

Blarney Island - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

Over priced crappy food. The boat ride out here is unpredictable, they come and go as they see fit. They charge random fees for a boat ride and nothing published on their website. You get a discount if you know a code word. With the food, unpublished discounts on some days. You just have to 'know' that a brat costs only $5 that day. The boating staff were very rude this year. read more

Blarney Island Port was such a disappointment to say the least. Alleged 'partial owner' Barb (would not provide us with a last name) was extremely rude to the guests the entirety of the time we waited at the port. Had the nerve to tell me I had an attitude problem when I asked her one question about 5 dollar off on Fridays. Tried to deny it to us several times, finally admitted they were lying. Insane way to run a business. Please protect your peace and avoid this place, or at least until Barb is fired for her lack of knowledge, basic respect, and moral values read more

Barb is entitled and doesn't know how to run a business. If she wants returning customers she needs to fix her act. Advertising $5 off ferry rides but need a "secret password"? Carry a tiny purse or you won't be let it, even if you clear out and show what you have in your purse you will not be allowed. Never returning. Barb claims she is a supervisor. Definitely have the right name and woman! read more

Love this place. It's always a party and great atmosphere with great staff and service. Their party weekends are amazing. It's been a great place to meet new people and just have some adult fun. If short skirts are your thing, just be aware that the wind blows through there pretty good but it's ok you'll forget to care after a few of the awesome drinks. Haha. read more

So you need a boat to get here or you can take a fairy I came here the spot was stacked definition of summertime in Illinois drinks strong and cold the ladies hot no pun intended it's a party.... read more

Two stars for the cute atmosphere. I'm sure this place would've been a lot of fun had I had not eaten the food. Unless you want to spend the entire night in their dirty bathrooms, I would not recommend eating the food. It was freezing cold and we had to wait an extremely long time for the ferry to come and take us back. I would try this place again when the weather is warmer, but I would never eat here again. The food made me very sick. read more

Even though there are a lot of old timers (way more than young people the night I was there) who have been coming for decades, the DJ seems to be unable to "read the room." Literally NO ONE was dancing (it was relatively early - like 7 p.m.) so people were mingling and ATTEMPTING to talk. The music was so loud you could not hear the person next to you. Likewise, the bartenders were having difficulty hearing people order at the bar. WHY? WHY? No reason to have the music that loud. MORE....the ferry service it terrible. They're more than will to take your $15, but getting off the island when you're ready is terrible...they literally leave you stranded at the island after 8 p.m. with 40 minutes between rides presummable to keep you drinking. I stood in the pouring rain for at least 35 minutes along with dozens of other people--some who didnt make the ferry and had to wait another 40 minutes for the next ferry..in the pouring rain. The boats - which were there decades ago are too small and they only have two of them. Food is terrible and the bathrooms are gross. I could put up with it, but not at $12-$15 a drink. Do better. read more

Blarney's Island is an experience that should be had, but wouldn't be a regular spot for me. It costs $15 to use their boat to even get to the island, and then it's very much just your basic bar once you get there. There's usually live music, which is good because there's not much else to do there. Drinks are pricey and the food options are pretty limited, too. The best part is that you're on an island, but it doesn't really feel like it since there isn't any sand or trees. read more

Went on Sunday August 25th. Band was Yabba Griifits. The band was supposed to start at 2pm. Didn't start until 3pm. Just as well. They were, to put it mildly, awful. Crowd was totally disengaged. Have seen several very good bands there in the past. This was a real stinker. read more

Listen, I will do almost anything at least once in life. Not sure that I'd do this twice. It only took me 26 years to make my way to Blarney's, as an Illinois native and, though I enjoyed the concept of (what I believe is the island bar in IL?), two words comes to mind: white-trash. Intoxicated bouncers that are more strict about allowing an obvious 21+ adult enter (to drink) sans ID, than children. The upside was getting a ride in the helicopter. read more

Blarney Island - Helicopter Ride - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

Great atmosphere, Great drinks, Great service, Great live music, Hands down the best outdoor venue in Illinois. read more

$8 boat ride to the island + free band... count me in! I went here 5 nights ago with a bunch of friends. The boat ride was about 15 mins from the port to the island. ($8 for round trip transportation). Good band (run Forrest run). I'll be back! Note: the food was hot and fresh (well I had tator tots and hot dog)... not too easy to mess that up. The service was fast and friendly (less than 10 mins). There's a small menu and the prices are definitely reasonable. read more

Blarney Island - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

I have been here about 3 times, this was my first check-in and first review. The country bands were great. I came here with work and clients, we rented a boat and hit all the bar/restaurants on the water. Everyone was there to have a great time, and it's always just that. Bartenders and servers were exceptional. I wish I lived closer, would definitely be here more. read more

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I gave it two stars for the atmosphere, mainly the location and ability to cater to boat traffic. But I give it 0 stars for food or service. It's more of a concert type venue or "dive". You really have to be a certain type of person to enjoy it and we aren't. We won't be back. read more

Fun but they are ignorant. Maybe try again another time! Try for yourself Good music!

If zero stars was an option that's what I would give this place. Long story short their security is on a mega power trip and quite literally assaulted my friend all because you got on the stage and walked across it during intermission. When he got off on the other side he was greeted with security that immediately started to escort him off the premises. The security guard took him to the dock where my friend put his hands up and said "I'm not trying to cause any trouble" in a calm manor might I add. The security guard then picked my friend up and quite literally threw him to the ground and laid on top of him. My friends head was slammed against the dock twice. He didn't resist or yell or anything like that. This security guard was out of line and the owner didn't care at all that this happened. This place is absolute trash and the employees are assholes. read more

Have a strict to backpack rule. Shuttle boat driver didn't understand he difference between a 2000.00 Louis Vuitton bag, and an Oakley backpack wanted us to check the bag or put in our trunk. Kept showing us a sign that said all backpacks are subject to search. They were rude, and indignant... Thought we'd give it a shot... Not really my speed. read more

This place is the worst. Terrible food and service. Limited dining options and blarneys history is what the draw is. If you don't care about food quality and just need loud music this place is for you! read more

Best boating bar ever! Open Thursday-Sunday. Thursday is boat races and Sunday is family day! Come hang! Well worth it!

For an afternoon adventure for family, its OK at best. Geared more to younger crowd that drinks and parties. Menu offerings are pathetically over priced for quality. Drink prices are also rather high but expected given location. 2 drinks @ $18. 2 sandwiches' and fries @ $40. WOW. Plus $ 20 for ferry ride for two people. This was a early morning start to explore this historic place. Island opens at 11am per web site. Ferries do not start until after 12pm. Ride in was pleasant. Only 1 Transit boat working the Labor day weekend. Felt trapped to get out of this over priced place. In closing, As stop in place while driving? NO. If on this lake? Maybe pee stop. To have good time with out drinking? NO. Positive note. Port of Blarney does have a good breakfast offerings. read more

While they require masks when u enter, people take them off and walk right past you to the bar, restroom or dance floor. The people on the dance floor are NOT wearing masks. Loose enforcement. read more

While boating around the Chain of Lakes we heard many people tell us that we needed to stop by Blarney Island if we wanted to have some fun. We were kid free and thought why not. The weekend we were there, they had their Blarneygras party going on. We pulled our boat into one of their many available slips. Hoped out and went to join the fun. There were bands playing, people (mostly girls) dancing and drinks flowing. Let's not forget beads being tossed. This Island bar is done up to be reminiscent of a bar in the Florida Keys. Bright colors, island atmosphere, etc. The indoor bar area is more like a frat bar I used to frequent in college. Hanging from the ceiling is many different bras and panties. From the look of some of them they've been there for a LONG time. To be honest, it also looks like no one has bothered dusting or cleaning in up there so some of them look rather disgusting with layers of filth on them. Not that it would stop me from going back. We ate there; the food is typical bar fair. Nothing all that great, but still edible. I had the pulled pork sandwich and I thought it was okay. Yes, I've had better, but this place obviously wasn't created to be a gourmet restaurant. The drinks were decently priced for location and the bartenders were very friendly. The waitresses... well they were kind of slow. When we were sitting in the outdoor area we ended up going up to the bar to get our own drinks, it was just faster and easier. Overall we enjoyed ourselves for the couple of hours we were there. There was a mixed crowd. Your 20 somethings all the way to people that had to be in their 60s. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and that's what was important. I don't know if I would take a minor here, but if you are on the chain of lakes, it's a good spot for some fun. read more

Do not come here unless you come by pontoon or the ferry. Not worth the time, money, "food, energy, anything. Sometimes fun people. That's it. read more

Hailed as "The Key West of the Midwest" Blarney Island really is "A Mile Away From Reality". I used to live in the Antioch area and had never been to Blarney Island, and honestly I am kicking myself right now! This place is so amazing. We pulled up to Port of Blarney and found volleyball nets outside. There is a bar and restaurant with seating outside on the dock. For a small fee you can launch your own boat for a day on the lake. To get to the island, if you don't have your own boat, there is a shuttle service that varies in price depending on the day or event that runs every hour. This is the outside deck where you can watch people launch their boats into the water. I found it mezmerizing to watch people on their boats and waverunners. It was just so laid back and it was such a beautiful afternoon I that could have people-watched all day. The service at the Port is fabulous; within a minute of sitting down one of the girls came out to offer us something to drink and assured us we could take them with us on the shuttle ride. How sweet is that? To see photos go to www.thedeadhub.com, just search Blarney Island read more

This place is total cheese and great for people watching. I don't have a boat so I catch the ferry for the port of blarney bar which is a short boat ride to the floating bar know as blarney island. They always have bands playing and have a few bars to get a beer and sit in the sun or shade to enjoy the show. The quality of bands here is generally not great and it's pretty loud and can get quite packed. So I often find myself wanted to head back after only 1 beer but since I payed my $8-10 for the ferry I stick it out and suck down a few more before my ferry ride back. It's a place you should experience at least once. Oh and the collection of old bras and panties in the inside bar is very fitting for this place. Lol like I said its a good spot to people watch. read more

Blarney Island - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

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Blarney Island is the "Key West of the Midwest" - I've heard about this place for years and years...never made the hike up there. I made the hike to the port over Memorial Day Weekend, but that is as close as I got. I finally made it up there this weekend to see what the hype was about. You can get there via boat (your own boat) or the shuttle/boat that belongs to Blarney Island. As for my trip up there, we were getting picked up by a friend's boat. We got to the Port of Blarney and we had to pay for parking, which was more of a better deal...just so they made sure people were parking in their lot and actually going to the island. So long story short here...you pay $10 for a ticket (per person) and that is to use for food/drink on the island. Once you get to the island...it's just a bar, in the middle of the water. A big bar - most people are intoxicated there I must say but people are all having a good time. There was no cover, and live music. The bathroom line for the women's bathroom was pretty lengthy but not really surprising. Overall, I must say this is among the top "cool" places in Illinois for sure! It's just like being on vacation.... read more

Blarney Island - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

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Blarney Island is- Blarney Island. It's unique. How many bars do you have to get to by boat? I've been going there for about 40+ years. This time when I was visiting my "home state" we went by, and it's always great for people watching. The band that weekend afternoon was really good. I think they were called 6 to midnight. We enjoyed them a lot. A dude dressed as a pirate was floating around and we took pictures with him. There is always a story after you leave Blarneys! read more

Blarney Island - With the pirate! - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

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I took my Mom there and we loved it. The only problem was a waitress shortage. I got our food and my mom grabbed bar stools and we got a table out of the sun. The fee for the boat out there is 8.00 cash round trip. You can take a Helicopter ride for 40.00 per person. Great music and live bands. Turtle racing on Sundays is fab and free. Burgers a little costly at 9.00 but 3.00 for fries that are so yummy is worth it! People watching on the lake is super fun. read more

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Blarney Island is the day party capitol of Chicagoland...!! ...OK that's an unfair statement since I don't know what other day party options Chicagoland has to offer. But compared to no options in Lake Tahoe, this place sh*ts on it. BF and I were excited about the concept of a bar in the middle of the lake. We certainly don't have those in California (also considering our lakes are running dry due to this drought). Add the fact that there's a DJ and multiple bars and a party scene, we were definitely excited. Unfortunately we came on a Sunday when everyone had turnt down a bit. A lot of the crowd was 40+ (and they were the ones seated by the dancefloor...) but I could only imagine all the madness happening on Friday and Saturday nights (unless they are also the crowd that gets hyphy on those nights???). As for food, it's mainly bar food so we ordered a whole bunch of things to munch on to pass the time such as chicken wings and nachos. People can drive up to this island on their boats and park it in the docks. I'm not sure if swimming is allowed around the island although I'm sure a fair share of drunk ppl have fallen in the water. Multiple bars and a dancefloor in front, also some dance cages on the side (that were unattended the whole time we were there on turn-down Sunday). I believe shots were less than $10 here which is decent. Love the concept of a party destination in the middle of the lake but unfortunately we picked a bad day to go. Would love to see this place on a Saturday. read more

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Let's start this review by saying that it is a place to have fun and party. Balarny's is a bar that was built on stilts to have fun. Don't expect great food or craft cocktails, but you can dance to a live band with a coors light. Think frat bar with an island theme. On the weekends in the summer it gets full. I've had a lot of fun here and recommend finding a sober boat driver or taking the ferry. It's not worth it folks. read more

Blarney Island - Helipad at the bar - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

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What more can I say besides boats, beer, and summer! This is a great place for both locals and people coming from Chicagoland. they always have live music and events going on, which is awesome for weekend fun. If you aren't from the area and or you don't have a boat they also have a ferry service for a small fee, I think around $8. We have some family friends that camp here (they offer RV slips) for the summer so we spend a fair amount of our weekends at Blarney and we have always have a great time. The food is good, the pricing is fair as well. The staff is always courteous. Forgot to mention, If you are into boat races I highly recommend coming out and watching them on Thursday evenings. read more

At the very least, everyone in the Midwest should make the pilgrammage to Blarney Island one a Summer. There is a freeing feeling when drinking surrounded by water and basking in the sun, it suddenly puts you "On Vacation" and makes reality melt away! Tuesday, Katie, Mike and Shyanne will all do their very best to make sure you have know idea when you work next as they are taking care if your every need and shaking your money maker in the dance floor! read more

Visited Blarney Island on Friday September 22, 2017 for first time. Late in the season so not many customers. Great drinks. Apparently a party place in summer for boaters. Only accessible by boat. The bartender, a beautiful young woman, was friendly and fun and a wealth of information. After talking with her I want to go back for one of the big celebrations during the summer. There are dock spaces for hundreds of boats. It's basically a bar/party place on stilts in Grass Lake which is part of the Chain O' Lakes in northern Illinois. If you boat you have to check this out. Great drinks !!!!! And I suspect they have food in peak season. Saw some signage about brats. While you are there get a Blarney Island t-shirt or hat. Place is awesome even when it's slow! And thank you to the beautiful bartender for all the info! I will be back next summer! read more

I love Blarney Island. It's great people watching and great live music. I don't ever dance, but I did at Blarney Island. That's how good it is. read more

Blarney Island - Bars Near Me - Antioch, Illinois

This....what....where....what in the name.....what the heck is this?! It's like a tacky Club Med meets It's a Small World Disney ride (worn out, plastic, cheese factor) meets country bar meets past its prime Margaritaville. Meets road weary dive bar meets over the hill college bar, grossest Wrigleyvile bar but for the 50+ crowd but with little kids too. I mean, w...t....f....?? We pull up in our rented boat, not having been taught how to tie off and thankfully some folks came by to help us but it was not just to help us, see, it was to look down on us and show off their I-am-mightier-than-you rope tying abilities. And be snitty. Ok. Gee, thanks. After all the warnings and stories and such about how drinking on the lake is so forboden, cops are everywhere, just don't do it, blah blah blah....then here's this party town Blarney get-s'faced-drunk-fest Island....so strange. So we go in. It's insane. And gross. And trashy. And....it's all bars, an area to dance, a stage, cages for dancers (?! People still do that?), a DJ in a sloppy costumey Pirates of the Caribbean get up, one small food area with bad food, and super disgusting bathrooms. Food was pricey, drinks seemed average priced but with a very limited selection and service was rude and apathetic. Gimme your money or I sick jughead bouncer on you to beat you. The crowd -- not our type of crowd. Very surreal this place was and totally not our thing. We only stopped because my sweetheart was snacky, and mildly curious, but wow, curiosity sated. And scarred for life. This place really summed up Fox Lake/Chain O' Lakes for us and capped off why we'll likely never venture back up this way. Yiiiicccckkkyyy. Yuck yuck yuck. read more

Total sh*t show! Came here expecting a fun night on the famous blarney island, but left disappointed and mad. The best part was riding the shuttle boat to and from the island. The service there was absolutely horrendous... I could not believe the service my boyfriend and I received from one of the bar tenders. Once I was able to get his attention I asked for a menu and rudely told me they don't have one. So we ordered a drink and he rolled his eyes and just seemed like he hated his life. There is no food really available at the island so we finally ordered a microwaved pizza, after the pizza was done the bartender literally threw it on the counter... The pizza obviously fell out of the paper plate and was on the dirty- alcohol soaked counter. We looked at the bartender in disbelief, he had the balls to tell us and say "well, go ahead" At this point, after dealing with this guys poor attitude and service we said forget the pizza and said to only charge us for the drinks- he looked annoyed with our decision and threw the pizza out. Not going back, can't pay me to go back. Never been treated so poorly! read more

Lately I've heard "Omigosh, you HAVE to go to Blarney Island!" from people who have been there...so, on the 4th, my boyfriend took me there. The drinks were sooo overpriced ($5 for a beer!) and the band was pretty lame (in general, but they DID totally butcher my favorite band, Weezer, ugh). Nothing like seeing a bunch of guys in their 40s and 50s eye-f#(k young scantily-clad girls in bikinis, or juiced up party boys take off their shirts and lean back like they're god's gift. If the ancient underwear stapled to the ceiling churned my stomach, that ridiculousness made me almost throw up in my mouth a little. The bathrooms were also DISGUSTING. Most of the doors didn't latch closed, either. I echo Sarah's "overrated and overpriced" comment! I'll take a dive bar over this excuse for a meat market any day. read more