Blarney Castle

Blarney is a village that is located in the southern part of Ireland, near Cork. It is near the River Martin. Herein lies the site of the Blarney Castle, which is the home of the legendary Blarney Stone.

This castle originally dates back prior to AD 1200. However, it was destroyed in 1446 and is now currently in partial ruin. As such, there are only some rooms that are accessible to the public. The Blarney Stone itself actually lies at the top of the castle. It is believed that by kissing the Blarney Stone that is located at Blarney Castle a person will be able to receive the "Gift of the Gab."

This gift consists of eloquence, or the skill of being both flattering and persuasive. The legend dates back to the time of Queen Elizabeth I, who was the Queen of England during the 14th century. During her reign, Cormac Teige McCarthy's tried to talk his way out of a difficult situation that he had found himself in. Basically this situation had to do with the takeover of the Blarney Castle by the occupying English forces.

At that time Cormac was the King of Munster. He was living in the Blarney Castle around. It was rumored that the stone itself had actually been created by a witch during the Middle Ages who gave this magical gift to it. Thanks to this gift Cormac managed to talk his way out of this situation. Today this village is a major tourist attraction. In the center there is what is known as “The Square.” This is a grass field where Blarney locals and the townspeople from Cork City come to visit throughout the summer. Herein there are many recreational activities taking place, such as soccer and sunbathing. However, this is not what the visitors to Ireland usually want to come to see.

Most of the time these people come to this part of Ireland not only to go shopping and to visit the castle, but they also come to kiss the Blarney stone for themselves. However, in order to do this, you must be positioned upside down. Many people also want to have their photograph taken at this “magical moment.” Throughout the years there have been various attempts made to beautify this area, but these attempts have always been met with stiff objections from the local residents.

There are also beautiful, very extensive gardens surrounding this castle. Visitors can walk through the gardens' paths while they tour the grounds. During these leisurely walks you will encounter signs that point out the gardens' various attractions, which include such things as several natural rock formations that have fanciful names.

There is also a Druid's Circle, a Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps themselves. Herein there is also a mansion that was built within the park, which is known as the Blarney House. It was built in the Scottish baronial style of 1874 and is open to the public.