Blarney Stone

About

The legendary Blarney Stone is embedded within a machicolation atop the high walls of Blarney castle. The exact origins of the stone are unknown. According to some, it was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah, and was used to decide on the Irish Kings. Others say it’s part of the Stone of Destiny, given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce. Another legend says it’s the biblical ‘Stone of Ezel’, brought back to Ireland from the Crusades. Regardless of its origins, the one legend everyone agrees on is if you hang over the precipice to kiss the stone, you will be bestowed with the gift of elegance and flattery. While now there are handlebars to add an extra layer of safety to the ritual, for centuries one had to be held by the ankles over the drop. This dangerous performance even inspired a Sherlock Holmes case. For more information, please visit www.blarneycastle.ie