Blarney Castle History
The present Blarney Castle is the third castle to be built on the site. The first, in the 10th century, was wooden. In about 1210, this was replaced by a stone structure. In 1446, another stone structure was built by Cormac MacCarthy giving today’s castle.
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited sites. Located near Cork, it is easily reachable and it is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. But it isn’t the castle that attracts so many visitors yearly, but the Blarney Stone which is said it gives the gift of words to anyone who kisses it.
The Blarney Castle currently stands in ruins and as a stand-alone objective, it is not worthwhile visiting.
Blarney Stone – The Stone of Eloquence
The Blarney Stone is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Ireland. It is of ancient history and many fables have sprung up as one might expect of such a famous artifact.
The most common fable is that if you go to Blarney Castle and climb the narrow ancient castle stairs and lean backward and downwards out of the battlements holding onto iron bars set in the castle wall, you will be able to kiss the Stone and become endowed with the “gift of Blarney”.
The stone was actually built right into the walls of Blarney Castle in the 15th century by Cormac McCarthy, one of Ireland’s greatest warriors. Because of its location as part of the castle walls, tourists are forced to assume the awkward position to reach it.
Many legends surround the origin of the stone. Some stories tell of the stone being brought to Ireland during the Crusades and that it may have Biblical connections. Another story tells of a witch who revealed the secret powers of the stone to the castle owners after they had saved her life.
The stone itself is said to grant the power to persuade with the gift of gab.
Of course, it is a matter of opinion whether the stone helps make one more eloquent when it is kissed, but the names of many of the stone’s visitors, and their abilities to accomplish great things, make an impressive list.
Later, Winston Churchill was a visitor and was able to convince both his countrymen and the world that they could stand up to and defeat Adolf Hitler in WWII.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, an American of Irish descent, also kissed the landmark and later convinced enough people to vote for him, making him the first Roman Catholic president in the history of the United States.
Nelly Bly, an early female journalist, gained fame by traveling around the world. One of her first stops was at the Blarney Stone. As the story goes, she was able to talk her way out of almost all situations during the rest of her trip.
Finally, an American businessman named Milton Hershey stopped by the stone during a trip to Europe. He went on to convince the world that his little chocolate confections called “kisses” were worth buying by the millions.
Blarney Castle Visitor Info
Opening Times
The Blarney Castle is open all year around as follows:
Monday to Saturday:
In May: 9.00 -18,30
Jun to Aug: 9.00 -19,00
In Sept: 9,00 -18,30
Oct to Apr: 9.00 am to sundown
Sundays:
Summer: 9,00 – 17,30
Winter: 9,00 – to sundown
Ticket Info:
A ticket will cost: 12 € adults, 10 € Students and Seniors, 5 € Children (8-14 years, 30 € Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Contact details:
Tel: 00 353 21 438 5252
Email: info@blarneycastle.ie
Official page: blarney castle.ie
Blarney Castle Location
Blarney Castle Address: Blarney, Cork, Ireland.
Geographic Coordinates: 51.92903376346703, -8.57109010219574
Get help with directions using the map provided below: