By visiting this castle you can receive the gift of eloquence

Nestled in the lush greenery of the Irish countryside, just a few kilometers from the vibrant city of Cork, stands the evocative Blarney Castle , one of Ireland's most iconic and fascinating castles. Although partially ruined, it retains its ancient charm, surrounded by a fairytale landscape of woods, strange rock formations, and a river that reflects the light with silvery gleams.

Built on the foundations of a wooden structure dating back to the 10th century, the current castle was constructed around six hundred years ago by the powerful chieftain Cormac MacCarthy , Lord of Muskerry. Despite the ravages of time, Blarney still retains corners that speak of power, mystery, and legend. The castle's underground passages unfold in an intricate network of medieval passages , mostly inaccessible today, but one section is open to visitors, including the ancient prison, a dank and eerie environment that hints at the unenviable fate of its inmates.

The Legend of the Blarney Stone

Hidden within its walls is one of its most famous features: the legendary Blarney Stone . It is said that whoever manages to kiss it (which requires a certain amount of courage, given the suspended position) will be granted the gift of eloquence, the famous " gift of the gab ."

Have you ever wished you had the right joke at the right time, or the subtle art of convincing anyone with the right words? The Blarney Stone has been a pilgrimage site for tourists and the curious for centuries. Kings, statesmen, writers, and actors have attempted this ritual in the hope of gaining charisma and persuasion. Among the illustrious names who have attempted the feat are Winston Churchill and Mick Jagger , an eloquence that, in both cases, has left its mark.

Words and diplomacy

The stone's association with the power of eloquence dates back to the time of Elizabeth I of England , when the queen attempted to seize the castle's lands from the McCarthys, the family that owned it. The queen's envoy, welcomed with kindness, was entertained with long, fascinating but inconclusive speeches. Returning to court without having achieved anything, he reported to the queen his guest's "vague promises." Elizabeth is said to have commented dryly: " This is all Blarney ," meaning " all talk and no action ." From there, the word "blarney" entered English with the meaning of verbal or flattery, devoid of substance.

The origin of the Blarney Stone is shrouded in mystery. Some believe it to be the Lia Fáil, the coronation stone of Irish kings. Others identify it with Jacob's pillow from the Bible , or the Ezel Stone mentioned in the Old Testament. Some even think it's the same stone struck by Moses in the desert to bring forth water. In short, no one knows for sure the boulder's true origin, but all the stories surrounding it contribute to its intrigue.

A test of courage (and a little balance)

Kissing the stone, however, is not as simple a gesture as it may seem. It isn't placed on the ground, nor is it comfortably perched on a pedestal. It's high up, almost 30 meters high , embedded in an external part of the tower. To kiss it, you have to lie on your back, lean back into the void, and stretch your torso out into the air, holding on to two metal bars.

Today, fortunately, castle staff assist visitors with this acrobatic feat, but in the past, those who sought the gift of eloquence had to descend headfirst, tied by their feet. Blarney Castle, surrounded by lush gardens and an enchanting atmosphere, is one of the most evocative places in Ireland , and the act of kissing—a blend of legend, tourism, and a hint of superstition—provides authentic emotions.