Gift of the Gab: The Legend of Ireland’s Blarney Stone

Ireland is known for its folklore and fascinating tales, with one of the most famous being the legend of the Blarney Stone. A highlight of the impressive Blarney Castle is unquestionably the opportunity to kiss this renowned Stone of Eloquence, but where did it all come from? And does it work? Irish born with folklore running through her veins, to get to the heart of this intriguing and amusing ritual we sat down with Travel Director Erica.

A land of folklore and friendliness

“I became an Irish guide 23 years ago after studying history and geology,” says Erica, pictured here with one of the horses that draw the carts in Killarney. “Our country is full of both and I love bringing them to life for guests, weaving in Irish traditions and folklore, plus lots of and too.

“Blarney Castle is such a great place to do this. Indeed, there is so much in Ireland for the curious traveler. However, it is our people that I love the most. We have exceptional scenery, storybook castles and a fascinating history, but it’s our people and our warm, humorous way that makes this place so special.”

Where is the Blarney Stone?

Renowned as one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, Blarney Castle cuts a dramatic picture with its unusually large tower house. This type of fortification was built by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Erica explains that as you approach on flower lined paths, the castle seems to “appear out of nowhere,” adding that as you get closer, “it looks like the rugged rocks beneath gave birth to it.”

The dramatic ruins are, in fact, the remnants of the third castle to be constructed on this site. The original was a wooden castle erected in the 10th century. Around 1210, this was replaced by a stone fortress, then in 1446, the existing keep was added to the 13th-century structure.

Whilst the Blarney Stone is the most celebrated aspect of the castle, Erica tells us that it’s not actually her favorite part. For her its “the gardens and setting.” The expansive gardens offer a tranquil escape, and contain an exceptional collection of specimen trees, some the largest of their kind in Ireland.

What is the legend of the Blarney Stone?

The actual origins of the Blarney Stone are shrouded in mystery, with multiple theories behind its existence. “Whatever version has the most truth, it’s certainly undeniable that once kissed, the magic of the stone with bestow the gift of eloquence,” says Erica with a knowing smile.

“One story is that the McCarthy clan of the early 1600’s tied Queen Elizabeth I’s agents up in knots with conversation when they were trying to take the castle from them during The Plantations,” says Erica. “Thus “blarney” refers to talk that can be misleading or untrue.

“Some believe that the stone may actually be a fragment of the Scottish Stone of Scone. In 1314, Chieftain McCarthy dispatched 5,000 foot soldiers to support Robert Bruce in his battle against King Edward at Bannockburn. As a token of gratitude for the Irish support it is said that McCarthy received a piece of this historically significant stone.

“Another story says the Queen of the Faeries imbued it with her magic and told Clan McCarthy that if they ever needed an answer to a question to kiss it.”

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Why do people kiss the Blarney Stone?

People kiss the Blarney Stone in the hopes of receiving the ‘gift of the gab’, which is the skill of eloquence, wit and flattery. The term ‘blarney’ means beguiling but misleading talk.

How to kiss the Blarney Stone

“To kiss the stone, one must enter the castle and climb the spiral stone staircase to the top,” Erica tells us. “You then lie on your back, lean out of the edge of the castle, tilt your head back and kiss the stone. There’s a man there to help you, his name is Butter Fingers!

“I’ve kissed it once and was banned by my family from kissing it again. Apparently, I talk too much already! I just call that the Irish gift for storytelling.”

How high is the Blarney Stone?

Getting to the Blarney Stone is no easy feat – the stone is found 90 feet high in the castle, embedded high in a tower. Not only is it high up, but the only way to reach the stone once you’ve ascended the stairs is to lean from the castle walls go upside down! If you have a fear of heights, approach the Blarney Stone with caution.

Has anyone died kissing the Blarney Stone?

No, aside from in legends surrounding the myth, no one has ever died while kissing the Blarney Stone – although in 2017 a young man died after falling from a different area of Blarney Castle, which led to safeguards including iron rails and protective crossbars to be installed.

While people used to lean back from the castle walls and hold themselves up, now there is a more secure process for kissing the stone. Visitors can now lie on a mat and lean backwards while a steward from the castle (or a friend) can sit on their legs to stop them from sliding, and help pull them up afterwards.

Its not all about the stone – Blarney Gardens

In addition to the castle ruins and the famous stone, Blarney Castle gardens are well worth a visit with 60 acres to enjoy. “You can enjoy herbaceous borders, a poison garden and a tropical fern garden,” says Erica. “My favorite spot in the garden is the Seven Sisters, a site of standing stones that have an interesting story attached,” adding that you’ll have to visit and stand amongst them to hear it. “I also love the poison garden, it offers a little taste of medieval life when it was as important to have poison at hand, as to grow medicinal plants and cures.”

“On some of our Ireland tours you join one of the professional on-site gardeners and they take you through the various types of gardens on the estate. You’ll also learn about how they do rotational planting, so something is always blooming. It’s such a unique insight into the huge undertaking to keep the estate looking immaculate, plus a great opportunity to ask any horticultural questions.”

If you’re keen to learn more you can enjoy a visit to Blarney Castle along with the many highlights of the Emerald Isle with our ‘Business Class” style tours to Ireland or our Best of Ireland & Scotland guided tour.