Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland

One of the first stops we made in County Cork was Blarney Castle.


Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Throughout history, it changed hands many times and fell into ruin.
Today the castle is owned and managed by the Trustees of the Blarney Castle Estate.











There are numerous beautiful woodland walks on the grounds of the Blarney Castle estate, through which winds the River Martin, plus a very magical area called "The Rock Close," which is not to be missed if you visit.





The world-famous Blarney Stone is situated high up in the battlements of the castle. It requires a climb of one of the several long, stone spiral staircases up to the top. Once there you can enjoy the spectacular views of the lush green Irish countryside, Blarney House, and the Village of Blarney.

If you look over my husband's shoulder you can see people waiting to kiss the Blarney Stone.



Legend has it that the gift of eloquence is bestowed on a person who kisses the Blarney Stone. This is not an easy feat, as you can see from the picture above.

That is me, laying on the ground, bending over backward, while holding the railings on either side of the battlement, to kiss the stone! Everyone is helped by the gentleman sitting on the right.
Now, forever, I'll have "the gift of blarney," and never will be at a loss for words!










I hope you enjoyed your blog visit to Blarney Castle and will consider visiting yourself one day.
Tomorrow I'll be taking you to County Clare and we'll visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher.