Why are thousands of visitors kissing this stone in Ireland?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers climb a set of narrow stone steps in a medieval castle in Southern Ireland, lean backwards over a dizzying drop, and give a block of limestone nestled in a wall a peck.

It may sound unusual, but for many travelers, one of the most memorable travel experiences in Ireland is the strange ritual of visiting Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone.The object of fascination for travelers is the legendary Blarney Stone, a stone that is centuries old and is nestled in the battlements of the castle. According to Irish folklore, if a person kisses the stone, he or she will be given the “gift of the gab," a term that refers to the ability to talk with charm, persuasion, and eloquence.For centuries, the legend of the Blarney Stone has lured travelers, politicians, writers, and curious travelers to the castle, which is just outside the city of Cork.

A medieval castle with a famous secret

The history of the Blarney Stone is inextricably linked with that of Blarney Castle. The castle was constructed in 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy, who was the King of Munster and head of the MacCarthy clan. While Blarney Castle was an important stronghold in medieval Ireland, it has since become famous for something very different from military prowess, namely, the magical powers of the Blarney Stone, embedded in its walls.

The Blarney Stone is embedded in the castle tower at almost the top, and visitors have to go up a steep spiral staircase inside the castle. Once they have reached the top, they have to lie on their backs and lean backward over the edge of the castle while holding on to iron rails. They are helped in this endeavor by an attendant.The unusual position has become a part of the entire experience. For most visitors, it is a thrilling yet slightly nervous experience.

The legend of the “gift of the gab”

The “gift of the gab” is a phrase that is at the heart of the legend of the stone. In Ireland, it is a person who has a natural talent for persuasive, witty, and charming speech.Kissing the Blarney Stone is believed to give a person this gift. The legend is a fanciful one but has become one of Ireland’s most famous myths.There are a number of different tales as to where the stone got its magical properties from, none of which historians can verify for sure.

One of the most common tales is that it was given to the MacCarthy clan by Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, as a thank you for their assistance during the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.Other tales tell that it was once part of the Stone of Scone, which was a coronation stone for Scottish kings.Other tales tell that it was blessed by a witch who was saved from drowning by the MacCarthy clan. In return for her life, she told them her secret about the magical properties of the stone.As is often the case with great tales from Ireland, it is likely that the reality is somewhere in between.

The origin of the word “blarney”

The word “blarney” itself has a rather interesting background.In modern times, the term is used as a form of clever flattery, usually given in a charming fashion. The term is said to have originated in the 16th century, during a period of conflict between the English monarch and Irish lords.In historical accounts, it is said that Queen Elizabeth I requested that the MacCarthy clan give over their castle to the English monarch several times, but rather than directly refusing, the MacCarthy clan sent letters with excuses and explanations for their inability to do so.The queen, tired of the excuses, is said to have complained that the letters were “all blarney.”While it is uncertain whether the historical account is accurate, it is known that it contributed to the legend of the Blarney Stone’s powers.Throughout the years, Blarney Stone has drawn visitors from all over the world. These visitors have included some of the most prominent political leaders, writers, and other celebrities.

One of the most famous historical visitors to Blarney Stone is none other than Winston Churchill. According to historical records, Churchill visited Blarney Stone as early as 1912, long before he became the British Prime Minister during World War II.

Churchill is famous for his compelling oratory skills; thus, there is a new dimension to the legendary Blarney Stone.Today, Blarney Stone is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. Annually, more than 400,000 visitors climb the tower to participate in the famous kissing ritual.Visitors to Blarney Stone can also make it a part of a day trip from Dublin City. The distance from Dublin City is only about three hours by road. The castle is also just five miles northwest of Cork City.