If you love adventures and you’re thinking about going to Ireland, you’ve probably heard about Blarney Castle. Maybe you’ve also heard about the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to make you a smooth talker.
Yep, they say kissing this stone gives you the “gift of gab,” meaning you can talk really well. But here’s the catch: you have to kiss it while hanging upside down about 90 feet in the air. Pretty scary, right?
During my research, I found out about this risky position (Friendly tip: always do your research before going on a trip. It helps make sure everything goes smoothly and you enjoy your experience!)
So, when I heard about the height, I wondered, why 90 feet? Couldn’t they choose a safer spot?
If you’re as curious as I am, get ready for an adventure to explore every part of Blarney Castle! By the end of our journey, you’ll have all the answers you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
So, first question: Why is it called Blarney?
According to the dictionary, “blarney” means talk that’s meant to charm, flatter, or persuade people, and it’s often thought of as something typical of Irish people. This got me curious, so I looked into it and found a fascinating story.
Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I wanted McCarthy to give up Blarney Castle, but he used charm and persuasion to delay negotiations cleverly. He kept the Queen and the Earl of Leicester occupied, and the castle was never taken. Eventually, the Queen used the term “blarney” to describe the Earl’s pointless reports and McCarthy’s excuses, which led to the word becoming part of the Irish language.
Some stories also mention a bit of magic. During the English threats, McCarthy traveled to speak to the Queen but feared he wouldn’t be able to convince her because he wasn’t a good speaker. Before he left, he met an old woman, possibly a witch, who told him about a special stone in Blarney Castle. She said kissing it would give him the “gift of gab.” McCarthy persuaded the Queen successfully, proving the stone’s magic.
Nowadays, people kiss the stone while hanging upside down to get the “Gift of Gab.”
Why do people kiss the Blarney stone upside down?
Well, because it’s the only way to get to the stone. The stone is just a small part of the castle wall, and to get to it, you have to go down about six inches from the rooftop base. So you have to lie on your back and lean back a lot. There’s an iron railing there to help you. So, you’ll lean back, holding onto the railing tightly to avoid falling, all while looking down at the ground from 90 feet up, which can be quite scary.
Honestly, I felt a bit scared. The castle looked really old, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it could handle all the visitors. But as I explored, I quickly realized I was wrong to doubt its strength, though my guess about its age was correct. Even though kissing the stone only became popular in the 18th century, the stone itself has been part of the castle since 1446.
We’ll hear stories, but for those who are really scared of heights, don’t worry, you’ll be taken care of. A trained attendant will be there to guide you through the process, making sure you’re safe every step of the way. And trust me, it’s much safer than how people used to kiss the stone in the past.
They used to have visitors tie their ankles together before kissing it. Can you believe that? What a brave tradition! Well, as they say, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
This practice ended when a rumor spread that a traveler slipped free and tragically fell to his death. Yeah, sometimes the old ways aren’t necessarily the best ways.
But the good news is Blarney Castle is not just about the stone, it’s much more than that! So if you’re worried, you can skip the 90 feet.
Much more than the kiss!
As I got closer to the castle, the first thing I noticed was how big and impressive it looked. The castle itself is really beautiful. It’s been around for more than 600 years, and exploring it feels like going back in time. I still remember every little corner from when I visited in January—it was amazing!
I took a train from Heuston Station in Dublin, and after a nice ride through the Irish countryside, I got to Cork Kent Station. Then, a quick bus ride took me right to Blarney Castle. Easy!
When I got to the castle, I learned it wasn’t the first one built there. First, there was a wooden castle in the 10th century, then a stone one around 1210 A.D. In 1446, Cormac MacCarthy, the King of Munster, destroyed that castle and built a new one.
That’s where the Blarney Stone comes in. It was put in the castle’s tower in 1446 to make it stronger. To get to the stone, you have to climb 127 spiral steps, which is quite an adventure!
Each floor had cool rooms with stories from the past. It was like stepping into history with every room I entered.
The rooms weren’t huge, but they were interesting. There were signs everywhere to show the way. Following those signs, I was surprised when I reached the rooftop.
The view from up there was breathtaking! Whether you’re waiting to kiss the famous Blarney Stone or just enjoying the scenery, seeing everything from up high is unforgettable.
Coming down was exciting too. We took a different spiral staircase, which led us to even more interesting rooms and discoveries in Blarney Castle. Let me tell you about a few of them.
About the murder room or hole
This room sat on top of the main door of Blarney Castle. Despite its spooky name, there weren’t any real murders there. Instead, it had a square hole where guards would toss rocks and weapons at intruders. This kept the castle safe from attacks and the people living inside protected. So, even though it might sound scary, it was actually just a vital spot for defending the castle.
About The Witch’s Kitchen
No, the Witch’s Kitchen isn’t a real kitchen. It’s a bunch of rocks that look like a kitchen. It’s near the bottom of the castle and often part of guided tours. People think this is where the witch from stories lived and started the kissing tradition.
But there are spookier tales. They say the witch roams free at night, and if you go there super early in the morning, you might see the fire’s last bits in a nearby cave.
I’ll definitely return to Blarney Castle, but you won’t find me near that cave! Nope, never. You’ll find me in the Herbaceous Border instead.
About The Herbaceous Border
You really can’t miss the Herbaceous Border at Blarney Castle! It’s a stunning stretch of flowers that goes on for about 100 meters.
At the top, there’s this lovely 80-meter rose-covered walkway that adds even more charm. The border is filled with all sorts of different plants, and some folks say it’s a must-see in the summer. During that time, it’s bursting with all kinds of plants, and in the fall, it’s full of vibrant colors. So, whether you go in the summer or fall, it’s bound to amaze you.
And for those who love greenery, there’s even more to see. Blarney Castle has 60 acres of gardens, including a poison garden, fern garden, ice house, and arboretums. Yes, you heard it right. A POISON GARDEN!
About POISON GARDEN
Honestly, I never would have thought I’d find 70 different poisonous plants all together in one place. They’ve arranged them there to teach visitors about plants that can be dangerous, whether they’re found in the wild or in gardens. They even have the most dangerous plants in cages.
If you’re visiting Blarney Castle, you should definitely check out this spot. But don’t worry, there’s a sign warning you: “Do not touch, smell, or eat any plant!” Just make sure to keep your kids safe.
And finally, I can’t forget to mention Blarney House.
About Blarney House
I caught a glimpse of this enchanting house from the top of the castle, and it’s hard to miss its beautiful architecture.
Blarney House is mainly where the Colthurst family lives, and they’ve owned it since 1704. It’s open for tours in the summer when the family is away on vacation.
It’s not too far if you decide to take a stroll, just about 200 meters south of the castle. I went inside, and it was quite amazing, although it did feel a bit like peeking into someone’s home while they were away. But it was worth it to see how the family has mixed modern life with this historic house.
So, make sure not to miss this one. The tours start every half-hour, and you’ll need an extra ticket, which you can get for €6 at the door.
You can probably guess that there’s something to catch the eye of every explorer, from the stunning gardens to the fascinating architecture. Some other spots I didn’t mention were the Bog Garden, Giant Rhubarb, Badger’s Cave, Druid’s Cave, Wishing Steps, the Horse Graveyard, an ice house, and vast woodlands to explore. They’ve also added some conveniences for visitors like exhibition rooms and a café and souvenir shop. I wrapped up my journey with some tasty traditional food and bought some gifts.
As I made my way back to Dublin, one thing stood out to me: the warmth of Irish hospitality. Everywhere I went, people greeted me with smiles and shared stories, making my trip truly unforgettable. I’d give it a solid 10 out of 10.
Overview
For those getting ready to visit Blarney Castle, here’s what you need to know:
- Make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and savor the peaceful atmosphere of the castle grounds. Being late might mean spending more than a few hours just to reach the top.
- Don’t forget to bring comfy and strong shoes with good grip for climbing those twisty stairs. They can get slippery, so watch your step!
- If you’re claustrophobic, be cautious. The narrow circular staircases are really tight (remember, the castle is centuries old), and with all the tourists, it can take a while to reach the top. Plus, the steps are so narrow you can’t even turn around, which might feel uncomfortable.
- Make sure to carry cash with you. Tickets to Blarney Castle are about €20 for adults, €16 for students and seniors (65 and older), and €9 for kids aged 6–16. Sometimes, they might not take credit cards for small buys.
- Keep an eye out for special events, as they might give you access to more areas of the castle.
- Plan to spend a few hours exploring the grounds. I promise you’ll have a great time.
- Definitely try the local cuisine, but remember, you can also bring your own food if you prefer.
- Oh, and don’t forget to have your camera ready – you’ll want to capture every magical moment of this adventure!
So, some folks think the Irish have a special skill you either have or don’t, but there’s a way to get it. Lots of people have tried it over the years – even big names like Winston Churchill, Mick Jagger, and characters from the Simpsons.
They say kissing the stone gave Winston Churchill the gift of gab, which helped him become British prime minister in 1940. So, When will you give it a try?
