Blarney Stone

Why the Blarney Stone and Castle are special
The Blarney Stone in Ireland 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.

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

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.

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.)

More Blarney Stone and Castle tips and insights
How to kiss the Blarney Stone

• First
  Climb five stories up the castle via a tight spiral staircase.
  
• Then
  Lie on your back on a floor slab area (outlined in white in left photo on page one).
  
• Next
  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.
  
• Finally
  You're now in position to kiss the hard-to-reach Blarney Stone.

Worth wondering

• Hygiene
  Did the person who kissed the Blarney stone prior to you leave germs?
  
• Time gap
  Why did the kissing legend emerge just two centuries, yet the castle and its renowned stone have been around for five centuries?
  
• Dozens of answers for this question
  How did the kiss-for-eloquence legend begin?

The Blarney Castle complex
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.

Location in Ireland