Blarney Castle & the Stone of Eloquence★★
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's most touristy attractions — and yet it's worth the visit. The medieval castle from the 15th century, surrounded by 60 hectares of beautiful gardens, houses the famous Blarney Stone: Whoever kisses this stone (upside down, leaning backward over a parapet, held by a helper) supposedly receives the "gift of eloquence" — the ability to charm anyone with words. The Irish call it "Blarney" — skillful speaking bordering on flattery.
The legend traces back to Cormac MacCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, who kept Queen Elizabeth I at bay with evasive speeches for so long that she exclaimed: "This is all Blarney — what he says he never means!" The true origin of the stone is disputed — some claim it is a piece of the Stone of Scone from Scotland.
Apart from the stone, the gardens are the real highlight: The Poison Garden (poisonous plants behind bars!), the Fern Garden, the Rock Close with its mystical druid stones, and the Wishing Steps — stone steps you must descend backward with closed eyes to have a wish granted. The castle ruin itself is impressive, with narrow spiral staircases and views over the green countryside.
💡 Tipp
Come as early as possible (at opening at 9 am) or late (from 4 pm) — the queue for the Blarney Stone can take over an hour at midday. The gardens alone are worth the entrance fee and are overlooked by many visitors. Right next to the castle is Blarney Woollen Mills — one of the best places for Irish wool sweaters and souvenirs.
