Blarney Castle & Rock Close Gardens

Nestled in the charming village of Blarney is one of Cork’s greatest treasures. Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is known the world over for the famous stone that has been a must see attraction for any visitor to Ireland over the past 200 years! In 2006, the Discovery Channel listed kissing the Blarney Stone amongst its 99 things to do before you die! Today, more than 400,000 visitors pass through the castle gates every year in the hope to receive the ‘Gift of Eloquence’.

The Blarney Stone is believed to be one half of the stone of Scone, which was given by Robert the Bruce to Cormac McCarthy in 1314 for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn. World statesmen, literary giants and legends of the silver screen have joined millions of pilgrims who climb the towers steps to kiss the stone. Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. Today, Blarney Castle are rather more cautious of the safety of there visitors. 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.

Rock Close & Blarney Castle Gardens
However, in addition to the most famous stone in the world, the Blarney Castle estate also offers visitors the chance to stroll one of the country’s most spectacular gardens, enjoy a picnic by the lake or explore the Rock Close – a mystical place where majestic yew and oak trees grow around an ancient druidic settlement. Here, visitors will find a dolmen, sacrificial alter, a Druids circle, a Witches Kitchen, wishing steps and much more.