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Kiss the Blarney Stone and Gain the Gift of Gab
Published by Megan Eaves, Writer
Country: Ireland 
The Experience
If you are anything like me, the idea of having infinite conversational skills and the ability to wow friends with your charming anecdotes and interesting musings certainly sounds appealing. High upon the defensive walls of Blarney Castle in County Cork lies the Blarney Stone, that when kissed, is purported to bestow the "gift of the gab" to the smoocher. Though the exact origin of the Stone is unknown, one legend suggests that the Blarney Stone is related to Lia Fáil, or the Stone of Destiny. Others believe that the Stone was a gift from the Scots, and still others hold that Blarney has Biblical origins. Whatever the case may be, the Stone's magic is real to those who kiss it.
Make no mistake though, the Blarney Stone makes you work for its gift. Climbing up the heavy stairs and snaking around the top of the castle's fortified parapets, you are nearly two storeys high when you bend over backwards, and let your hair hang down as you kiss the Blarney Stone. That's right, the Blarney Stone only offers its magic to a kisser positioned upside down!
Years ago visitors were simply dangled over the edge by their ankles, but these days the proprietors of Blarney Castle have installed iron handles and safety railing to ensure that gab-lusters don't fall. Additional helpers also give you a hand with the bending and obligatory photo-taking while you're upside down in the act.
Your magical trip to Blarney Castle isn't complete with the kissing of the Stone though. There are lots of other lucky spots worth taking in around the grounds, such as the Wishing Steps. If you walk up and down the steps with your eyes closed, your wish will be granted within a year! The caves and crannies around Blarney Castle are imbued with all kinds of mystical Irish legends, from fairies to leprechauns!
Make no mistake though, the Blarney Stone makes you work for its gift. Climbing up the heavy stairs and snaking around the top of the castle's fortified parapets, you are nearly two storeys high when you bend over backwards, and let your hair hang down as you kiss the Blarney Stone. That's right, the Blarney Stone only offers its magic to a kisser positioned upside down!
Years ago visitors were simply dangled over the edge by their ankles, but these days the proprietors of Blarney Castle have installed iron handles and safety railing to ensure that gab-lusters don't fall. Additional helpers also give you a hand with the bending and obligatory photo-taking while you're upside down in the act.
Your magical trip to Blarney Castle isn't complete with the kissing of the Stone though. There are lots of other lucky spots worth taking in around the grounds, such as the Wishing Steps. If you walk up and down the steps with your eyes closed, your wish will be granted within a year! The caves and crannies around Blarney Castle are imbued with all kinds of mystical Irish legends, from fairies to leprechauns!
When to Go to Kiss Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle is around 8 km from Cork City, in Blarney Village. Public buses and trains are available from Cork City at reasonable costs, or you may choose to rent a car and drive. Though rainy all year round, the best time of year to visit Ireland is between May and September, when temperatures are mild and sunshine is less shy. The castle is open year round between 9 am and around sundown.
Odds n' Ends
Adult admission to Blarney Castle is €10 and includes access to kiss the Blarney Stone, as well as explore the rest of the castle grounds and caves. Guided tours are offered during spring between April and June, though they are really unnecessary. It is much more fun to roam the castle on your own, and maps are available when you buy your entrance tickets.
Want a Guide?
- One Day Rail Tour - Cork, Blarney Castle and the Queenstown Story
- A highly enjoyable trip to Ireland's Southern capital, Cork, visiting the world renowned Blarney Stone and the Queenstown Story at Cobh, on Cork Harbour, famous as the Titanic's last port of call (all admissions and transfers / tours included).
- Paddywagon Tours
- Paddywagon Drivers are known throughout the world as being many things - Celtic Chieftains, Warrior-Poets, Gaelic Princesses and by several grandiose titles we’ll keep quiet for now! Their competence and professionalism is renowned. Their ability as drivers and professional Tour leaders is our great source of Irish Pride. All are 100% Irish and are committed to the Paddywagon Travel Philosphy.
Places to Eat
- Blairs Inn
- Located only five minutes from Blarney on the R579, with it's whitewashed walls and abundance of hanging baskets, Blairs Inn looks as pretty as a picture. Occupying a secluded, riverside setting in the heart of the country, this inviting hostelry is an outstanding example of an authentic traditional family run pub.
- Christys Bar at Blarney Woollen Mills
- With its friendly staff and lively atmosphere Christys bar is a classic haven from the outside world and is an ideal meeting point for friends or colleagues.
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Whitehouse Bed and Breakfast
- From the doorstep of this well heated luxurious family home there is a spectacular view of the famous Blarney Castle.
- Pineforest Bed and Breakfast
- Pineforest Bed & Breakfast accommodation is the family home of Janet Murphy Hallissey situated in Blarney County Cork Ireland.
- Allcorn's Country Home Blarney
- Allcorn's Country Home in Blarney County Cork Ireland is a really spacious country home situated on the banks of the Shournagh River just outside Blarney Village where the world famous Blarney stone is to be found in Blarney Castle.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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Roughly 15 km away guests will find the nearest golf course.,Built in 1837, the hotel comprises a total of 13 rooms spread over 3 floors. ... 0 miles away
$100 EUR+
Guests can make use of the spa area with a sauna and solarium. This is the ideal spot to relax in the peace and quiet. ... 0 miles away
$55 EUR+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Stand at the Edge of the World on Ireland's Cliffs of Moher
- Standing at a majestic 700 ft. tall, Ireland's Cliffs of Moher edge County Clare up to the Atlantic Ocean, creating the country's westernmost outpost. I first went there in 2003 when very little infrastructure surrounded the Cliffs of Moher and it was possible to creep belly-down across the limestone slats and peer over the edge. As one of Ireland's most well-known and heavily visited tourist attractions today, the Cliffs of Moher have been given a new lease on life with the building of a state-of-the-art visitor center that is cut into the side of one of the bluffs, and is ...79 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
There is an unspoilt nature to Ireland's most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through many picturesque ...40.91 miles away via Killarney.
$32+
The tour begins with a coach journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you can take a Jaunting Cart Ride (additional EUR20.00 payable direct on the ...40.91 miles away via Killarney.
$63+
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Books and DVDs
- Blarney Castle
- The history, development and purpose of Blarney Castle, by Mark Samuel & Kate Hamlyn.
- A Tour of Ireland with Stephen Walsh
- Explore Ireland's historical cities,breathtaking countryside and mystical ruins with your host, Stephen Walsh. An enchanting journey through Ireland's Celtic heartlands,this engaging documentary gives a rare insight into the culture and history of the Emerald Isle.
- Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009: 850 Trends, Destinations, Journeys & Experiences for the Year Ahead (Paperback)
Elsewhere on the Web
- Blarney Castle
- Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since.
- Blarney Ireland, Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
- Blarney just 8km (5 miles) from Cork City is set in beautiful wooded countryside, it is an ideal base to visit the many wonderful sights of Cork and Kerry.
- Blarney Stone
- Five miles north west of the small city of Cork is the village of Blarney.
Media References
- Blarney Castle and Stone - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- While Blarney Castle is extremely touristy, it is still one of the most impressive castles in Ireland.
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