What to see in Ireland

Blarney Castle

Situated just 8 kilometres from Cork, Blarney Castle is a 15th-century, partially ruined structure, built by the MacCarthy’s of Muskerry dynasty and home to the world-famous Blarney Stone. The structure is both enchanting and haunting with it’s crumbling grey stone facade.Visitors are attracted from around the globe by the promise of kissing the Blarney Stone, an act full of superstition and tradition. Over the past two centuries, world-famous statesman, writers and even actors have travelled to this part of Ireland and to Blarney Castle to kiss this limestone block as legend states that kissing the stone will give the kisser the highly-prized gift of eloquence.

When the old King of Munster, Cormac MacCarthy supported Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English in the 14th-century, the Scots gave the King of Munster the stone to show their gratitude. The reason for the magical powers attributed to the stone is undecided but legends say it may have been the biblical ‘Stone of Ezel’ or even a stone brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. To kiss the stone, believers must lean precariously backwards over the side of the parapet which protrudes from the castle walls, although there are railings and assistants to help visitors. Aside from the Blarney Stone, the castle and it's grounded are home to an array of weird and wonderful attractions, such as several stone circle rock formations and themed landscaped gardens which showcase an array of native and non-native plant species. There is also a fascinating ‘Poison Garden’, with dangerous plants from around the world. On a misty morning, as fog shrouds the lush grounds and wraps its way around the towers and ruins, the castle seems to have a magical appearance.