For lovers of old stones and great dark fortresses, Blarney Castle is one of those authentic castles that immediately immerse you in a fascinating and mysterious medieval world. Don’t miss its local curiosity: the “Pierre de l’éloquence”, a stone located at the top of the castle, which gives the talent of eloquence to anyone who kisses it!
Blarney castle – © csbphoto
Located in the town of Blarney, County Cork, Blarney Castle was first built in the 11th century, then destroyed in 1446. It was then that the King of Munster Cormac McCarthy set about rebuilding.
Almost 600 years old, Blarney Castle is lost in dense wilderness, making it a particularly pleasant place to visit. The château is actually a gigantic square tower in ruins, surrounded by vegetation and fabulous wooded gardens open to visitors.
These gardens and forests are said to be the site of many legends about witches and druids… These surroundings (known as “Rock Close”) boast countless waterfalls, as well as a number of dolmens, not to mention “The Witch’s stairs”, which, if climbed upside down with eyes closed, can grant wishes.
Not far from the fortress, you’ll also find a second tower, this time conical and of lesser height, pierced with windows and offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. At the time, this tower was used as a guardhouse to ensure the safety of Blarney Castle.
Of all the gardens in Blarney, one is said to be the most dangerous in Ireland. Named “Poison Garden”, it lies behind the ramparts of Blarney Castle. Although it looks identical to the other gardens, we recommend that you exercise extreme caution! It’s home to some of the world’s deadliest plants!
That’s why you’ll find many signs with a skull and crossbones, asking you not to touch, breathe or taste its plants and flowers. We also recommend that you keep your children close to you and hold their hands…
His warnings are there for a good reason: among the plants and herbs in the garden are deadly specimens such as Wolfsbane, Mla andrake, Hellebore, Hemlock, and Ricinus communis (the latter produces castor oil, a poison deadly to humans).
The place is as dangerous as it is fascinating! Along the way, you’ll find signs telling the story of these plants, as well as their toxic properties.
A new section of deadly plants: carnivorous plants. These will soon be cultivated by the gardeners at Blarney Castle.
The eloquence stone at Blarney Castle – Cyril Doussin – cc
If you decide to venture to the top of the castle, don’t miss the local curiosity known as “The Stone of Eloquence”. This stone is located at the height of the crenellated tower, and according to legend, it gives many verbal talents to anyone who kisses it. (The presentation board reads: “There is a Stone there, That Whoever kisses, Oh! He never misses to grow eloquent.“).
The legend has been around for almost 200 years, and as tradition would have it, a lot of visitors stick to it!
Many celebrities even played along! But be careful! The stone needs to be kissed in a very special way, requiring you to tip backwards to be able to kiss it. Legends have it that the stone was taken to Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession and bore the name “Stone of Destiny”.
When Cormac Mac Carthy, King of Munster, sent 4,000 men to support Robert The Bruce in his English defeat of the Scots at Bannockburn in 1314, the stone was split in two and half sent to Blarney Castle, and mounted on top of the tower.
Allow around an hour for your visit: Blarney Castle is well worth a visit!
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