Blarney Castle

is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, an ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster. Blarney Castle is famous for its stone - The Stone of Eloquence - which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. The Castle is Located about four miles to the north-east of Cork City, and is a stop over for many tourist busses year around. The stone which is embedded in the upper battlements of the castle is said to give the power of eloquence to those who kiss it. To kiss the Stone, be prepared to make your way up a winding narrow staircase, and once on top you must bend over backward and lower yourself down with the help of a wonderful attendent. Now make your way down, let me warn you that if your feet are bigger than a size 8, you will be regreating the climb. The story which no one can really put a date to is more than likely from the tale of Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy... The story goes that the stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn. At the time Queen Elizabeth I wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, whose silvery tongue enabled him to stay on good terms with both sides, without committing himself to either. Caused the Queen to describe his talk as `All Blarney´. Others believe the stone to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland.