KISSING THE BLARNEY STONE AT BLARNEY CASTLE IN CORK, IRELAND

Even though Blarney Castle was built around six hundred years ago, the site is still extremely popular, attracting millions of visitors to see this estate in Ireland. The castle is massive and a very prominent display of ancient Irish Gothic architecture. While the estate does have the famous castle, there is also a lake and series of gardens around it. We can not forget to mention the famed Blarney stone—it is said that if you kiss this stone, then you will be blessed with the gift of eloquent speech. It is not only an excellent place for a visit but a true window into the Irish culture and people.

HISTORY AND FACTS OF THE BLARNEY CASTLE & THE BLARNEY STONE

This castle was originally occupied by Cormac McCarthy, who was the King of Muster. At the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, he supplied over seven thousand troops to Robert the Bruce. In gratitude, he cut the famed stone of scone in half and gave a part to King McCarthy—this is in Blarney Castle today, and known as the Blarney Stone. It is a tradition for those who visit the castle to kiss the stone, as it is said to give the power of eloquent speaking to all who embrace it with their lips.

Queen Elizabeth I took interest in the castle and ordered it to be taken over by the Earl of Leicester. When he approached King McCarthy about negotiating, however, McCarthy would always host a banquet or create some other kind of delay. After a while, it had still not been taken. The Earl sent reports to the Queen that detailed his efforts that were prevented by feasting and delays. The Queen, in anger, said that the reports made by the Earl were all “blarney”, hence the given name of the castle today.

During the Confederate War in 1641 to 1652, Lord Broghill, who was Oliver Cromwell’s General, destroyed the tower walls of Blarney Castle with tons of gunfire. When Broghill finally entered the property, he found only two servants there, the rest of the men had left via the underground cave system. By the end of the Confederate War, Cromwell had seized many properties, massacred two-thirds of the population of Ireland, and had forcefully converted most of the country to Protestantism.

The next owner of the estate heard rumors that McCarthy’s family treasure had been cast into the surrounding lake. They invested in draining it—but after spending too much money they eventually gave up. The land was then given by the fourth Earl of Clancarty to the “Hollow Sword Blade Company”. It was then sold to Sir James Jefferyes, who was the Governor of Cork. The estate changed hands many times until the 20th century, where the castle and gardens are open to public viewing.

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ATTRACTIONS AT BLARNEY CASTLE: WHAT TO SEE

Blarney Castle Itself

The most famous parts of the estate are the castle and gardens, which are both massive and quite beautiful. The Blarney Castle itself is quite grand and has many different sides. Some are taller and more imposing than others while some parts of it look like it came right out of a magical fairy tale. It is important to see the castle from as many angles as you can, in order to see all aspects of the architecture.

The Blarney Stone

To kiss the Blarney stone, you have to hold onto a railing and lean back over the tall distance between the top of the wall and the ground. From there you can kiss the bottom of the stone, which is part of the battlements itself. World politicians, authors, and actors alike have been part of the millions that have traveled to Blarney to kiss the stone—it is said to grant the gift of precise language and influence.

Blarney Gardens

The gardens cover over 60 acres with arboretums, gardens, and even animal enclosures. The plants change throughout the year, each season is like its own different castle. Even in the winter, you can experience the quiet stillness of the snow over the fields. Horses, donkeys, and other forms of wildlife can be found in this area. It is an excellent view of the nature of Irish fields—all right under the view of the looming castle. While you are roaming around the gardens, do stop by Coach House café for a cup of tea and snack.

The Cave

There are other attractions at the estate, however, and are worth looking at. The cave system under the castle was used in ancient times and still stands below. Beneath the castle, are also many passages and rooms. You can even enter the castle’s ancient dungeon, and see how it must have felt to be imprisoned beneath the surface.

Rooms Inside Blarney Castle

When you enter the castle—the main structure on the estate—you will find little weird rooms as you climb up the steps to the roof where you will find the Blarney Stone. The Young Ladies and Priest’s room comes first, then you will be graced with the Earl’s bedroom and little garderobe—of course, there are many ancient artifacts and strange objects spread in the rooms.

Hidden Attractions Around The Estate

There are many paths around the estate and gardens, each unique with its own privacy and nature. These are perfect to get lost in, or just to enjoy a picnic. The large lake itself is a beautiful site, and legend goes that the royal McCarthy family threw all of their treasures into its waters. Perhaps you may even find some of it still lying beneath the surface. The abundance of things to do at the Blarney Castle makes it a must-see for anyone who travels to the estate. Other popular stops on the tour are the wishing steps—which lead to a waterfall that is a spectacle, Dolmen tomb, Witches stone, rock close, and a narrow path made of straw.

ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS

There is an online discount if you purchase your tickets on the Blarney Castle and Gardens website. An adult ticket is typically €18 but can be purchased online for €16. Similarly, a ticket for students or seniors is normally €14 but is €13 online. For children who are 8 to 16 years old, a ticket is normally €8, but it will cost €7 online. For children under 8, admission is completely free. There is also a family pass which will cover two adults and two children. This pass is normally €45 but can be purchased online for just €40. It should be noted that children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the grounds.

There are two different schedules for the estate, the first being Monday through Saturday and the other being Sundays and bank holidays. During Monday through Saturday, the estate opens at 9 AM. It closes at 5 PM in January, February, November, and December. It closes at 6 PM in March, April, and October. It closes at 6:30 PM in September and May. It closes at 7 PM in June, July, and August. During Sundays and bank holidays, the estate opens at 9 AM. It closes at 5 PM from November to February and at 6 PM from March to October. The estate is closed on December 24 and 25.

Text by Alex Orr: Alex is from Bentonville, Arkansas. His favorite hobbies include reading novels and comics. He also loves to travel and would do so more often if it wasn’t so expensive.