Eight kilometres north of the city of Cork you will find Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, Blarney Castle has a rich history. It is believed that a past king of Munster sent 4.000 men to help Robert the Bruce win the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His reward was said to be half of the Stone of Scone, which was renamed the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Castle today is a very popular tourist attraction although most of it is in ruins. Many features remain, though, like the tower and the narrow spiral staircases. Visitors who wish to kiss the stone must climb up a very narrow winding staircase to the top of the battlements, then lie on their back and lean slightly over the edge of the tower to reach the stone.
Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the beautiful, well-kept grounds, where they will find the Rock Close. This is a mysterious place with ancient stones and trees that were used by the druids.
Blarney Castle is a very interesting historical building and definitely well worth a visit. It is one place you must not miss if you get the chance to go to Southern Ireland.