| The history of Blarney Castle stretches back as | | | | all corners of the world to Ireland with one thing in |
| far as 1210AD, and the castle you see here | | | | mind - to kiss the Blarney Stone! |
| today, is in fact, the third castle to be built at this | | | | The stone is located at the top of the castle, so |
| site. It was built by Dermot McCarthy, the King of | | | | you'll have to climb the stairs to the top, lie on |
| Munster in 1446. The castle lies beside the River | | | | your back, hold onto the railings and lean |
| Martin and is surrounded by beautifully manicured | | | | backwards to reach the stone. |
| gardens. There are also a number of walks | | | | It's not quite sure where this magical stone came |
| throughout the estate and an arboretum. | | | | from. Some say it was Jacob's Pillow which was |
| Blarney House is located just 200 yards from the | | | | brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah, |
| great castle. It was built around 1874 and is | | | | others say it was the rock that Moses struck for |
| beautifully located overlooking Blarney Lake. Take | | | | water, while others say it was the rock on which |
| a tour of the house and see a magnificent | | | | St.Columba died and because of that it became |
| collection of art, tapestries, antiques and family | | | | the stone of destiny. The story goes that when |
| portraits. | | | | Ireland helped Scotland to defeat the English in |
| Other things not to miss while at Blarney Castle | | | | 1314, that the Scots gave it to the Irish as way |
| and Estate are the Dungeon, the Wishing Steps, | | | | of saying thanks. |
| the Rock Close, the Witch's Kitchen and the | | | | But what's so special about this stone? Well, it's |
| remains of an 18th Gothic Mansion called 'The | | | | said that if you kiss the stone you'll receive 'the |
| Court'. | | | | gift of the gab'. Whether this is true or not ....well, |
| For over 200 years, people have travelled from | | | | you'll have to find out for yourself! |