The Blarney Castle is an imposing medieval fortress located in the town of Blarney to the south of Ireland, near Cork, in the province of Munster. The castle was built in the 10th century, on a wooden structure. Around the 13th century, it was replaced by another with a stone structure, which was later demolished. Finally, in the mid-15th century the present castle was erected by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster.
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| Blarney Castle |
At present, the fortress is partially destroyed, only the "Torre del Homenaje" and some outbuildings remain standing. However, what arouses the greatest interest is not the castle's architectural structure, but the legend it contains.
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| Blarney Castle |
It is said that Cormac McCarthy (King of Munster) provided 4,000 men to Robert I of Scotland at the Battle of Bannockburn in the 14th century. In gratitude, he granted him half of the Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny) later known as "The Blarney Stone. "
In 1446 the stone was embedded in the Torre del Homenaje and today it is a claim for tourists who come to kiss it. It is said that whoever kisses her obtains the gift of eloquence, that is, expressing himself in a fluent, correct, elegant and persuasive way. "Blarney" in colloquial English means labia.
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| Blarney Castle |
The Blarney stone is found on the upper floor of the castle, about 30m high. Getting to kiss her is not an easy task, since it is necessary to lie down, hold on to two iron bars and suspend yourself in the void. The experience is quite impressive, although there is really no danger since there are protections and they usually help you by holding you.
Many famous people have kissed "the stone of eloquence," including Oliver Hardy and Winston Churchill.
Blarney Castle Attractions
Blarney Castle is surrounded by spectacular gardens and there are also several attractions such as: The Rock Close, a mysterious collection of dolmens, stones and witch houses. Wishing Steps (The Ladder of Wishes) a staircase of 29 stone steps that you must go up and down with your eyes closed for the wish to be granted. Druid's Circle (The Circle of Druids), Fairy Glade (The Light of the Fairies), or the mysterious dungeon passageways... among other surprises.
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| Blarney Castle |
The Castle is open Monday to Saturday from 9 to 17h in winter, in summer closes at 18pm. Entrance to the Castle for adults costs € 16.- and for children € 7.- (8 to 16 years) for children under 8 years, entry is free. There are family packs for two adults and two children that cost € 40.-. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them on the website and avoid a queue. blarneycastle.ie
Blarney house
Near the Castle is the Blarney House, one of the grandest and most elegant in all of Ireland. It is a private residence that housed wealthy families from the area. It was built in the 19th century and is located facing a lake of the same name. It is surrounded by several hectares of gardens with very unique species. In spring the land fills with azaleas and offers a very beautiful appearance. You can see horses and cattle grazing towards the lake. Currently, the house can be visited in summer. Blarneyhouse
If there is a place par excellence where nature and legend come together, that is Ireland. Fairies, Goblins, Clovers and many other symbols are part of Celtic mysticism that lasts to this day.