Why the
Blarney Stone and
Castle are special

The Blarney Stone has captured the imaginations of people around the world - and the castle complex is interesting to explore. The combination of the two aspects wins my bronze medal.

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Blarney Stone
tips & insights

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Legend

You gain the Irish "gift for gab" (the ability to flatter and cajole with eloquence) by kissing the Blarney Stone.

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Setting

The Blarney Stone is recessed in the battlements (see arrow in left photo). Smooching and disinfectants have stained a large portion of the Blarney Stone. The open space below it is seen in each photo.

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How to kiss
the Blarney Stone

First, you must climb five stories up the castle via a tight spiral staircase.

Then, you lie on your back on a floor slab area (outlined in yellow in left photo),

Next, you arch backwards and downwards. For support, you grab the two vertical iron bars on either side of the Blarney Stone. A castle staffer holds onto your legs or midsection just in case.

You're now in position to kiss the hard-to-reach Blarney Stone.

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Safety crossbars

Note the horizontal crossbars in the left photo. They stop your fall should the staffer accidentally let go of you. (Those bars did not exist for kissers in earlier days.)

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Blarney Stone
questions

Why did the kissing legend emerge just two centuries, yet the castle and its renowned stone have been around for five centuries?

How did the kiss-for-eloquence legend begin? There are dozens of answers.

Did the kisser previous to you leave germs?

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The Blarney Castle
complex

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There's far more to
the site than the
famous Blarney Stone

Rock Close
Large, natural rock formations are fancifully landscaped. Most kids relish exploring this area.

Walking trails
They wind through peaceful gardens and by a lake. Most adults enjoy them.

18th century mansion
The restored Blarney House has well-appointed period furnishings.

View from the top
Enjoy the view from the Blarney Castle's top floor of the castle grounds and well beyond.

Blarney Castle
Though it's basically a ruined shell, it's interesting, even without the Blarney Stone legend.

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