Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, an ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster.

Blarney Castle is famous for its stone - The Stone of Eloquence - which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it.

The term "Blarney" was introduced into the English language by Elizabeth 1 of England and is defined as "pleasant talk, intending to deceive without offending".

The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk.

The stone was reputed to have been that mentioned in the Bible as "Jacob's Pillow" and was supposed to have been brought to Ireland by Jeremiah the Prophet. It was more likely to have been brought back during the Crusades which legend applies also to the Stone of Scone now at Westminister Abbey.

Another tale was that McCarthy was given the story of the stone by an old woman whom he saved from drowning. This lady turned out to be a witch. As a reward, she told him the secret of a stone in the castle which would give him the gift of eloquence in return for a kiss. Wherever the truth lies, tradition has it that once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.

The Rock Close has many interesting features. One rock looks like the witch and her hat lies nearby. There are wishing steps which in order to obtain one's wish have to be negotiated down and up backwards with one's eyes shut! They lead down to where two dolmens are sited, one of which used to rock if pushed in the present owner's father's lifetime. They have druidic connotations. Also you may be interesting to see Dolmen, Witches Kitchen, Head Druids Cave, Fairy Glade, Druids Circle, Sacrificial Altar. The Rock Close is so eerie at night that people tend to keep away. It has atmosphere which many find awkward. Could this be the druid's ghost?

Blarney Castle, as viewed by the visitor today, is the third to have been erected on this site. The first building in the tenth century was a wooden structure. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure which had the entrance some twenty feet above the ground on the north face. This building was demolished for foundations. In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster of which the keep still remains standing.

Attracting visitors from all over the world, the castle is situated 8 km from Cork City. In the grounds of the castle the Rock Close and gardens convey 'druidic' charm and magical delights of centuries past.

ADULT ADMISSION: Euro 7