My Unforgettable Visit to Ireland’s Legendary Blarney Castle

Have you ever visited the Blarney Castle?

I always wanted to. It’s definitely touristy, but hey, that’s kind of what I like about it.

A building has occupied this site since the 10th Century. It started out as wood, then later, it was replaced by a stone structure. The current Blarney Castle dates back to 1446, located right outside of Cork City on the southern coast of Ireland. Of course, no trip to this castle is complete without kissing the Blarney Stone.

It’s said that kissing this legendary Stone of Eloquence endows the kisser with the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). Sign me up!

Kissing the Blarney Stone sounds a little easier than it actually is. It requires you to climb quite a few stairs in a narrow staircase. Keep that in mind if you or someone in your party has a hard time with stairs or is claustrophobic.

Once you get to the top, you’ll wait your turn to smooch the stone. When it’s your turn, you’ll be asked to get on the ground, and lay down. The attendant will help you dip back so you may kiss the stone.Just don’t think about all the other lips who’ve gone before you.

It’s a little daunting, but once upon a time, visitors were held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. Yikes!

After kissing the Blarney Stone isn’t your thing, be sure to tour the grounds. There’s even a Poison Garden, filled with Ireland’s most dangerous plants. You really can’t make this stuff up.

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