Why Do You Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down

If you are an adventure lover, and Ireland’s on your radar, chances are you’ve heard a thing or two about Blarney Castle, or perhaps you’re familiar withBlarney Castle is indeed a must-visit destination for adventure lovers and anyone fascinated by Ireland’s And of course, the legendary Blarney Stone is one of the most iconic attractions associated with the castle.

kissing the Blarney Stone is no ordinary endeavor – it involves a daring feat that adds an extra layer of excitement and adventure to the experience. As the legend goes, to receive the “gift of gab” – the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency – one must lean backward and kiss the stone while dangling upside down about 90 feet in the air! Pretty nerve-wracking, right?

I came to know about this stone’s daring position (Here’s a friendly tip: Doing thorough research before embarking on a trip is indeed essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. It helps you to familiarize yourself with your destination, plan your itinerary effectively, and make the most of your time and resources.)
So, after hearing the height, the first thing that popped into my head was, why 90 feet? Couldn’t they find a safer spot?

Exploring Blarney Castle promises to be an exciting journey filled with history, legends, and breathtaking views. From the towering battlements to the lush gardens and, of course, the famous Blarney Stone, there’s so much to discover and uncover within the castle’s walls. By the end of our journey, you’ll have all the answers you’ve been itching for. Let’s dive right in.

So first question: Why is it Blarney?

That’s a fascinating tidbit about the word “blarney” and its association with Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone! According to the dictionary, blarney means talk which aims to charm, flatter, or persuade people and the interesting fact is- it is often considered typical of Irish people. The legend behind the origin of the word adds an intriguing layer to the castle’s mystique and the allure of its famous stone. According to popular belief, the origin of the word “blarney” can be traced back to Blarney Castle and the legendary Blarney Stone. It made me curious and I looked on to know the reason and found the fascinating tale. As the story goes, those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the “gift of gab” – the ability to speak with eloquence, charm, and persuasion. In essence, they become masters of the art of “blarney,” using their words to charm and influence others.

According to the legend, Queen Elizabeth I sought to have Blarney Castle surrendered, but its owner, McCarthy, employed his wit and eloquence to delay negotiations. but he cleverly used charm and persuasion to delay negotiations. By engaging the Queen and the Earl of Leicester in conversation and distracting them with his charm, McCarthy managed to prevent the castle from being seized. Queen Elizabeth, impressed by McCarthy’s smooth-talking and persuasive tactics, is said to have remarked that he was giving her “a lot of blarney.” The Queen eventually used the term “blarney” to describe the Earl’s pointless progress reports and McCarthy’s excuses, leading to the word’s entry into the Irish language.

The notion of magic adding an extra layer to the legend of Blarney Castle is certainly intriguing! It’s not uncommon for stories of ancient castles and their owners to be intertwined with elements of mysticism and folklore, adding to their mystique and allure. Perhaps McCarthy sought out mystical aid or relied on ancient Celtic traditions to bolster his powers of persuasion before meeting with the Queen. During the threats from the English, McCarthy traveled to speak to the Queen but was convinced he would still lose his land as he was not an effective speaker.

Before he left, however, he met with an old woman, some say the witch, The addition of an encounter with an old woman, possibly a witch, who reveals the power of the Blarney Stone adds yet another fascinating layer to the legend of Blarney The idea that a simple act, such as kissing a stone, could bestow upon him the “gift of the gab” adds to the enchantment of the story and underscores the belief in the supernatural that was prevalent in ancient times. McCarthy convinced the Queen and now we know he was quite successful.

Why do people kiss the Blarney stone upside down?

Well, because it’s the only way to reach the stone. Descending about six inches from the rooftop base and lying on your back to reach the stone while leaning backward requires a considerable amount of balance, coordination, and nerve. So you have to lie on your back and lean backward a lot. An iron railing will be there to help. Gripping tightly to the iron railing for support becomes essential, as it helps to prevent any mishaps while leaning backward to kiss the stone. So, you will lean backward holding on tight to the iron railing to avoid falling, which adds an extra layer of challenge and adventure to the tradition. With the ground far below, the dizzying sight from 90 feet up only adds to the thrill and excitement of the experience.

the historical practice of having visitors tie their ankles together before kissing the Blarney Stone underscores the lengths to which individuals were willing to go in pursuit of eloquence, charm, and persuasive speech. The image of individuals with their ankles tied together, leaning backward over a precipice to kiss a stone, is certainly a daring and unconventional tradition. can you believe that? What a daring tradition! Well, as they say, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!

Image credit :-theirishroadtrip

More than the kiss!

The first thing that caught my eye was the imposing structure. The castle itself is a beauty. The imposing structure, with its weathered stone walls and timeless grandeur, evokes a sense of history and mystery that transports visitors back in time. Indeed, Blarney Castle’s rich history, spanning over 600 years, makes it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Traveling from Heuston Station in Dublin to Cork Kent Station and then taking a quick bus ride to Blarney Castle sounds like a convenient and scenic journey through the Irish countryside! Heuston Station serves as a major transportation hub in Dublin, offering easy access to various destinations across Ireland. Easy peasy!

And then I met the castle. Surprisingly, this castle is not the first castle to have been erected on the site. It’s fascinating to learn about the layered history of Blarney Castle and the succession of structures that have occupied the site over the centuries. The fact that the current castle is not the first to have been erected there adds an extra dimension of intrigue to its storied past. The presence of a 10th-century wooden structure and a stone building from around 1210 A.D. underscores the long-standing significance of the site as a strategic stronghold in the region.

And here, Blarney Stone started its journey. The Blarney Stone’s journey began in 1446 when it was added to the tower of Blarney Castle as a reinforcement, taking its place as a unique feature of the castle’s battlements. Reaching the Blarney Stone involves ascending a steep climb, navigating 127 steps of spiral staircases that wind their way deeper into the heart of history. Each step taken brings visitors closer to the stone, surrounded by the timeless stone walls that bear witness to centuries of Irish heritage and history

The ascent to the top of Blarney Castle is not just a physical journey but also a captivating exploration of its rich history and the lives of those who once inhabited its halls. With each floor reached visitors have the opportunity to step off and immerse themselves in the stories and legends that have shaped the castle’s past. Entering every room, I could feel the fascinating lives led within this fortress.

The relatively modest size of the general rooms within Blarney Castle offers a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants throughout history. though seemed fine for old times. providing a glimpse into the daily lives of those who once inhabited the castle. As visitors follow the signage and continue their exploration of Blarney Castle, they are rewarded with the next surprise: the rooftop view.

Standing atop the roof of Blarney Castle, visitors are treated to a truly unforgettable perspective of the surrounding grounds and beyond. The breathtaking views from this vantage point are a highlight of any visit to the castle, whether one is in line to kiss the famous Blarney Stone or simply soaking in the scenery. the castle’s height will offer an unforgettable perspective.

Descending from the roof of Blarney Castle via a different spiral staircase adds to the sense of excitement and adventure, as visitors continue to explore the castle’s interior and uncover its hidden treasures.

The murder room

located above the main entrance of Blarney Castle, is known as the Murder Hole Room. This room was located above the main entrance of Blarney Castle. The name sounds scary, but don’t be afraid, no actual murders happened there. The most distinctive feature of the Murder Hole Room is the square hole in the floor, strategically positioned above the main entrance. One of its most notable features is the square hole in the floor, which allowed guards to drop various objects—such as rocks, hot oil, or other projectiles—onto any potential attackers attempting to breach the castle’s defenses below. This helped protect the castle from attacks, keeping its inhabitants safe.

The Herbaceous Border

The Herbaceous Border at Blarney Castle is indeed a sight to behold! Stretching an impressive 100 meters in length, this botanical masterpiece is like stepping into a floral paradise.

The enchanting 80-meter rose pergola atop the Herbaceous Border at Blarney Castle adds an extra layer of charm and allure to this already breathtaking botanical display. Stretching along the castle grounds, the pergola creates a picturesque pathway adorned with cascading roses, vibrant blooms, and lush foliage. During the summer months, when the garden is in full bloom, the pergola becomes a focal point of beauty and splendor. Stretching along the castle grounds, this majestic pergola is a sight to behold, captivating visitors with its abundance of vibrant blooms and lush foliage. So, whether you visit in the summer or autumn, it’s sure to leave you in awe.

Blarney Castle’s gardens offer a wealth of attractions for greenery lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. From enchanting fern gardens to fascinating arboretums, there’s something to captivate every nature enthusiast’s heart. Spanning an impressive 60 acres, the gardens feature a diverse array of botanical wonders, each more captivating than the last. including poison garden, fern garden, ice house, and arboretums. Yes, you heard it right. POISON GARDEN!

POISON GARDEN

Encountering 70 different toxic plant species gathered in one spot may indeed come as a surprise, but the poison garden at Blarney Castle serves a unique educational purpose. By showcasing a curated collection of poisonous plants, the garden offers visitors a fascinating opportunity to learn about the dangers posed by these species, both in the wild and in cultivated settings. Even, the most dangerous plants were caged. while also ensuring their safety by implementing appropriate precautions.

visiting the poison garden at Blarney Castle is a unique and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed. However, visitors need to heed the warnings and precautions in place to ensure their safety, especially when it comes to children. The sign warning visitors not to touch, smell, or eat any plant serves as a vital reminder of the potential dangers posed by the toxic species within the garden. ‘Do not touch, smell, or eat any plant!’ Just need to keep your children safe. Ensuring that children understand and adhere to the rules regarding plant safety is paramount to preventing accidents or injuries.

Blarney House

The fairytale-like dwelling you spotted from the top of Blarney Castle is truly a sight to behold, showcasing the timeless beauty of classic Irish architecture. and how to miss this beautiful architecture.

Primarily the residence of the Colthurst family has been under their ownership since 1704. During the summer months, when the family takes a holiday, Blarney House opens its doors for tours.

If you take a walk, it is not that far away, approximately only 200 meters south of the castle. I went in and it was an extraordinary experience, although it did feel a tad like peeking into someone’s home while they were away. But it was worth it to see how the family managed to blend modern life into this historic house. Each room tells a story, with period furnishings, exquisite artwork, and personal touches that reflect the tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants.

Exploring Blarney House truly is an extraordinary experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Colthurst family and their historic residence. While it may feel like peeking into someone’s home while they’re away, the opportunity to witness the seamless blend of modern life with the house’s historic charm makes it a visit well worth undertaking.

Each room within Blarney House is a treasure trove of history and heritage, with its unique tale to tell. From the grandeur of the drawing rooms to the coziness of the bedrooms, exquisite artwork, and personal touches, every corner of the house reflects the tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants throughout the generations.

Blarney House is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Blarney Castle estate. House tours commence every half-hour, offering visitors the opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of this magnificent residence. If you’re planning to explore Blarney House, be sure to purchase an additional ticket, available for €6 at the door.

The Blarney Castle estate offers a wealth of attractions and amenities to captivate every adventurer. From the hauntingly beautiful gardens to the fascinating architecture, there’s something to discover around every corner. A few that I didn’t mention were The Bog Garden, Giant Rhubarb, Badger’s Cave, and Druid’s Cave offer unique natural wonders to explore, while the Wishing Steps provide a touch of whimsy and folklore to the experience.

Your reflection beautifully captures the essence of the Blarney Castle experience and the spirit of Irish hospitality. Yet, the experience is also one of appreciation for the efforts made to preserve and maintain this historic treasure for future generations to enjoy. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and stories, making my trip truly unforgettable. The warmth of Irish hospitality is something truly special, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and enriching their travel experiences. I would rate it a 10 out of 10.

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Why Do You Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down