Arguably one of the most well-known sites in Ireland is Blarney Castle. This stunning castle brings hundreds of thousands of visitors a year from around the world. Though known for its historical significance and preservation, there is a lot more to Blarney Castle then meets the eye. 

Kiss the Blarney Stone

When visiting Blarney Castle a quintessential experience is kissing the Blarney Stone. Kissing a stone sounds pretty weird right? But those brave enough according to lore will be rewarded with the Gift of the Gab, which means that you will be given the gift to have the power over words and the ability to speak easily and confidently. The next part is where a little bravery may be needed, to kiss the stone you must climb to the top of Blarney Castle, lay on your back,  and hang over the edge of the castle (just a little) to be able to kiss the stone. There are safety measures in place such as a metal pole to hold on to a guide to hold on to your lower half so you don’t fall. Personally, I relied a little more on the pole. Though I am sure that the awesome staff member who was holding on to me, a thin older gentleman, had muscles of steel I was a little afraid all that amazing Irish cooking I had been eating that last week may take both of us off the edge.

The Gardens/ Poison Garden

The quirkiest part of the Blarney Castle was not, in fact, leaning off the edge of a castle to kiss an ancient rock but instead a poison garden that is kept on the grounds. Each of these plants is kept in their own caged prison with a description on the plant, it’s level of poison, how the poison spreads, and what happens to someone who is unlucky enough to come in contact with it. For me, this was an amazing bonus to the castle, it was informative and allowed me to see first-hand plants I had only read about in books. For those looking for a little safer and more traditional garden experience, you will not be disappointed. Blarney Castle is home to a multitude of various plants which include herbs, flowers, trees, and even a tropical section which includes banana trees and bamboo. 

Blarney Castle & Grounds

When visiting Ireland, you will see an abundance of castles, some are well kept with ornate while others have been taken back by nature after years of neglect. Each castle is beautiful and unique in its own way, with a personalized history that tells the story of a place, a people, and the events that helped shape that particular part of Ireland. Blarney is a large beautiful 13th century stone castle that is still standing in all of its original splendor. With a rich and engaging history that began in the 11th century this land and the variations of the dwelling which stood here have encountered multiple owners and utilizations, including a stronghold in the medieval period and estate for wealthy royalty.  The structure of this stone castle is very unique architecturally with sloping walls, a dungeon, an 18th-century gothic mansion against the east wing, and the North wall which is about a 27-foot cliff of rock. Positioned on over 60 acres this location has an array of natural beauty which includes amazing views of parkland, gardens, and waterways.