Kissing the Blarney Stone, Ireland

Blarney Castle:

Funky Facts: Join Eddie Redmayne, Winston Churchill, Mick Jagger, and the Simpsons in kissing the famed stone. Kiss the Blarney stone for the ‘gift of gab’. The Blarney stone’s power has some witchcraft to thank. The powers were supposedly gifted by a thankful witch. Her spell was a thank you to the king who saved her life after a near-drowning scare. It’s estimated that 400,000 people kiss the stone every year.

Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland

Hours: 9am- 4pm

Cost: Adult Admission, €20

Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Located at the top of Blarney Castle in County Cork, this small piece of stone is believed to bestow the gift of eloquence upon those who kiss it.

The legend behind the Blarney Stone goes back to the 16th century, when Queen Elizabeth I demanded that the Lord of Blarney Castle, Cormac McCarthy, swear his allegiance to her. McCarthy, known for his clever wit and ability to evade giving a straight answer, told the queen that he would give her his word, but only after he kissed the Blarney Stone. When McCarthy kissed the stone, he was said to have received the gift of the “gab,” or the ability to speak persuasively and eloquently.

Today, visitors from all over the world flock to Blarney Castle to experience this tradition for themselves. To reach the stone, visitors must climb to the top of the castle and lean backwards over a ledge, holding onto iron bars for support while a castle employee helps guide them to the stone. The stone is located in the wall of the castle, and visitors must pucker up and give it a good smooch in order to receive its gift.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a bit of bravery and a willingness to trust those who are helping guide you to the stone. It’s also not for those with a fear of heights, as the castle is quite tall and the view from the top can be dizzying.

But for those who are brave enough to undertake the journey, kissing the Blarney Stone is a truly unique and memorable experience. Not only do visitors get to take part in an age-old tradition, but they also get to witness breathtaking views of the Irish countryside from the top of the castle.

In addition to kissing the Blarney Stone, visitors can also explore the rest of Blarney Castle and its grounds. The castle is home to beautiful gardens, a poison garden full of plants with toxic properties, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is a must-do for anyone visiting Ireland. It’s a fun and memorable experience that combines history, culture, and a bit of adventure. So if you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, be sure to add this tradition to your itinerary – and don’t forget to bring a rain coat and umbrella with you!