Blarney stone

Blarney Stone is a historic stone, or part of the stone, located in the Blarney Castle, near Cork, Ireland. It is a popular tourist attraction in Ireland, known for the tradition of kissing the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence.

History

The Blarney Stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. The word "Blarney" was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements of the castle's peak, making it a somewhat risky endeavour to reach it.

Legend

The legend of the Blarney Stone is deeply rooted in Irish folklore. It is said that kissing the stone will give the kisser the gift of eloquence. This tradition has been attracting visitors from all over the world for centuries. The ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone, according to the castle's proprietors, has been performed by "millions of people", including "world statesmen, literary giants, and celebrities".

Tourism

Today, the Blarney Stone is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from around the globe coming to kiss the stone and gain the gift of eloquence. The castle grounds also include several other attractions, such as the Wishing Steps, the Witch's Kitchen, and the Poison Garden, all of which contribute to the rich history and folklore of the area.

See also

• List of tourist attractions in Ireland
• Irish folklore