The Blarney Castle, Caisleán na Blarnan in Irish, is home to the Blarney Stone but there is so much more to the castle. Without further ado, let’s explore Blarney Castle.
The Castle
Blarney Castle originally consisted of wooden structures in the 10th century, but around 1210 a stone fortification took the place of the wooden buildings. The Castle experienced much turmoil and changed hands several times throughout history. Blarney Castle did not become a tourist attraction until the late 1800s. As you walk through the castle grounds, you discover how its former residents lived and fought to protect this corner of Ireland.
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Did you know, kissing the Blarney Stone is on the list of 99 things to do before you die? Well, it was fun to check that box off! The legend of the Blarney Stone and the reason millions of pilgrims climb the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone is to gain the gift of eloquence. The Stone itself is set in the wall, and to kiss it one has to lean backward (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
The Gardens
Blarney Castle is situated on over 60 acres of sprawling parklands, which can be viewed from the top of the castle. Included in these parklands are gardens, avenues, arboretums, and waterways. A fascinating garden for me was the Poison Garden, which contains poisonous plants from all over the world.
