Why Would You Give the Blarney Stone a Reversed Kiss?

If you’re an adventure seeker and Ireland is on your travel radar, you’ve probably heard a lot about Blarney Castle and maybe even heard of the fabled Blarney Stone, which is said to hold the key to being a smooth talker. Indeed, it is stated that kissing this stone bestows upon you the “gift of gab,” or the capacity to communicate clearly and elegantly. However, here’s the catch: you have to do it while hanging upside down approximately ninety feet above the ground. It must be nerve-wracking.

I learned about this stone’s bold stance during my study (a friendly tip: always do your research before starting on a journey). It will guarantee that your trip goes well and that you get the most out of it!

Thus, my initial thought upon learning of the height was, “Why ninety feet?” Was there nowhere safer for them to go?
So grab a seat, if you’re as intrigued as I am, and join me as we embark on an exploration to find every hidden corner of Blarney Castle! You will have all the answers you have been longing for by the time we finish our voyage. Now let’s get started.

Thus, the first query is: Why is Blarney?

The definition of blarney in the dictionary is “talk intended to charm, flatter, or persuade people.” What’s fascinating about this definition is that it’s frequently associated with Irish people. I was intrigued, so I sought up the explanation and discovered this amazing story.
Legend has it that McCarthy deftly employed charm and persuasion to postpone negotiations when Queen Elizabeth I demanded that he give up Blarney Castle. The castle was never taken because he diverted the attention of the Queen and the Earl of Leicester. The word “blarney” soon entered the Irish language when the Queen used it to characterize McCarthy’s justifications and the Earl’s meaningless progress reports.

Some claim magic was also present. McCarthy traveled to address the Queen amid the English threats, but he was certain he would still lose his property because he was a poor orator.

But before he departed, he encountered an elderly woman—some call her the witch—who told him about a certain stone in Blarney Castle that, if he kissed it, would grant him the gift of gab. McCarthy proceeded to persuade the Queen, and it is now evident that he was highly effective.

In the present day, individuals kiss the upside-down stone in order to receive the “Gift of gab.” However,

Why is the Blarney stone kissed upside down?

Since it’s the only path to the stone, that is. You must descend roughly six inches from the rooftop base to reach the stone, which makes up a small portion of the castle’s wall. As a result, you must lie on your back and frequently lean backward. There will be an iron railing to support you. In order to prevent falling, you must lean backward and grip the iron railing tightly while managing the disorienting view of the ground from a height of ninety feet.

I have to admit that I was a little afraid. The castle was quite old, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it could accommodate all of the guests. However, as I investigated, I soon discovered that, although my age estimate was accurate, I had been mistaken to question its robustness. The stone itself has been a feature of the castle since 1446, even though kissing became popular only in the 18th century.

We’ll hear the tales, but don’t worry; you’ll be in capable hands if you truly can’t stand heights. Every stage of the process will be guided by a qualified attendant who will ensure your safety. And believe me, it’s far safer than the traditional method of kissing the stone.

Can you imagine that they used to have guests bind their ankles together before they would kiss it? What a fearless custom! Of course, if it were that simple, everyone would be doing it!

When word got out that a tourist had slid loose and died tragically, this practice was discontinued. Yes, sometimes the traditional approaches aren’t always the best ones.

Thankfully, Blarney Castle is much more than just a stone; that much is true! So avoid the ninety feet if you’re worried.

Beyond the kiss, more!

The enormous structure was the first thing that attracted my attention as I reached the castle grounds. The castle is stunning on its own. Its rich history, which spans more than 600 years, makes exploring it feel like embarking on a time-traveling adventure. My visit last January was amazing, and I can still recall every tiny detail!

After boarding a train at Dublin’s Heuston Station and traveling through the picturesque Irish countryside, I arrived at Cork Kent Station. I took a short bus trip from there to get to Blarney Castle’s entryway. Simple as pie! We then met at the castle. It may surprise you to learn that this is not the first castle built on the site. A wooden building from the tenth century was constructed first, and then, in 1210 A.D., a stone edifice. In 1446, Munster King Cormac MacCarthy demolished and rebuilt the fortress. Blarney Stone’s adventure began right here. In order to strengthen the castle in the shape of a battlement, the stone was put in the tower in 1446. You will have to ascend a difficult 127-step spiral staircase in order to access the stone. The act of climbing itself is an experience! There were opportunities to walk off and see rooms that held historical stories. As I went through each chamber, I sensed the interesting life people lived in this castle.

The general rooms appeared adequate for bygone eras, despite their modest size. There were wayfinding signs everywhere. The rooftop view was the next surprise that I encountered as I followed that.

I was welcomed by breath-taking views of the gardens below as soon as I reached the roof. I promise that the castle’s height will provide an amazing vantage point, whether you’re waiting in line to kiss the fabled Blarney Stone or just taking in the landscape. When we descended using a separate spiral staircase, the anticipation only increased. Thanks to this new route, we discovered even more amazing rooms and discoveries within Blarney Castle. Allow me to mention a few.

The room where murders occur

This room was situated above Blarney Castle’s main entrance. Despite the eerie name, there haven’t really been any murders there, so don’t be alarmed. Rather, it had a square opening where guards would hurl weapons and rocks at trespassers. This kept the occupants of the castle safe by defending it against attackers. Thus, despite its ominous name, it served as a crucial castle defensive location.

The Kitchen of the Witch

No, no, Witch’s Kitchen is a rock formation that looks like a kitchen, not a real kitchen. It is situated close to the castle’s base and is frequently covered in tours of the castle’s grounds led by guides. Many think that the witch from the mythology was the one who initiated the custom of kissing.

However, I have heard more enigmatic tales there. If you visit the location very early in the morning, you can see the dying embers of the fire in the nearby cave. The witch is rumored to be free during the night.

You won’t find me anywhere near that cave, but I will most definitely return to Blarney Castle! Never, please. Look for me in the Herbaceous Border, please.

The Border of Herbs

The Herbaceous Border at Blarney Castle is a must-see! It is a 100-meter stretch that resembles a floral paradise.

A charming 80-meter rose pergola at the summit adds to the area’s allure. The various herbaceous plants that make up the border are said to be a must-see in the summer. It is teeming with a variety of herbaceous plants during those months, and in the fall, it is painted a vivid shade of orange. You will therefore undoubtedly be in awe whether you arrive in the summer or the fall.

There’s more for those who adore greenery. The 60 acres of gardens at Barnley Castle include arboretums, fern gardens, poison gardens, and an ice house. You heard correctly. GARDEN OF POISON!

A Poison Garden

To be really honest, I never would have thought that 70 different types of deadly plants could be found in one place. These were all set up to inform guests about the toxic plants that can be found in gardens and the outdoors. The most hazardous plants were even kept in cages.

This is a place you should definitely see if you are visiting Blarney Castle. You will come across a notice that cautions against touching, smelling, or eating any plants, so don’t worry. You only need to protect your kids.

Finally, and most definitely not least, Blarney House.

The Blarney House

From the top of the castle, I was able to get a glimpse of this fanciful home. How could one overlook such exquisite architecture?

The Colthurst family, which has owned the estate since 1704, primarily resides there. When the family takes a summer vacation, Blarney House is open for visitors.

If you walk, it is not too far; it is about 200 meters south of the castle. I entered and had an amazing experience, even though it seemed a little like looking into someone else’s house while they were away. However, it was intriguing to observe how the family incorporated contemporary living into this venerable home.

Don’t miss this one either, then. House tours start every 30 minutes, and you’ll need a separate ticket, which can be purchased at the door for €6.

You might imagine that there is something to enthrall any adventurer, from the eerily lovely gardens to the intriguing architecture. I neglected to include a few: the Horse Graveyard, the Bog Garden, the Giant Rhubarb, Badger’s Cave, Druid’s Cave, Wishing Steps, an ice house, and expansive walking woodlands. A café, gift store, and exhibition rooms for the courts were constructed as additional tourist conveniences. I bought some presents and had some traditional meals to cap off my trip.

Upon returning to Dublin, one aspect of the trip remained with me above all others: the welcoming nature of the Irish people. My journey was made much more memorable by the smiles and stories I encountered everywhere I went. It gets a ten out of ten from me.

In brief

Thus, for those preparing to visit Blarney Castle, the following information is provided:

• To avoid the crowds and take in the peace and quiet of the castle grounds, make sure to arrive early. If you are running late, it can sometimes take many hours to reach the summit.
• Remember to bring strong, comfortable shoes with adequate traction for navigating those spiral staircases. Since they can be slick, I reiterate.
• If you have claustrophobia, be aware of it. Because the castle is several hundred years old, the circular staircases are narrow and congested, making it difficult to reach the summit in a hurry with all the visitors. It can be awkward that there is nowhere to turn around, not even on the steps.
• Carry cash on you. Blarney Castle admission fees are approximately €20 for adults, €16 for seniors (65 years of age and above), and €9 for children (6 to 16 years old). Occasionally, they might not take credit cards for little purchases.
• Seek out unique occasions that may reveal other locations.
• Make time to explore the grounds for several hours; you will find the site enjoyable, I promise.
• Try some of their regional food. Hey, you can even carry your food.
• Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera—you’ll want to record every second of this incredible journey!
  It’s possible that the Irish are born with a skill or attribute that the rest of us lack, but there is a means to acquire it. Over the decades, it has drawn millions of people, including Mick Jagger, the Simpsons, Winston Churchill, and many others.

There are others who really believe that Winston Churchill’s gift of gab—which helped him secure the position of British prime minister in 1940—came from kissing the stone. And you, what say? When will you give it a go?Ireland is referred to as the “land of castles and sheep” for good reason—it has over 30,000 castles. Sadly, you can only see the ruins of these castles, which were constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries.