Seeking the Gift of Gab

There is a stone there, that whoever kisses,

Oh! He never misses to grow eloquent:

'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,

Or become a member of Parliament.

-Francis Sylvester Mahony

In honor of St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, I thought I would revisit some of my past trips to the Emerald Isle.  In 2010, I got to do that most touristy of Irish traditions: I kissed the Blarney Stone.  The Stone is supposed to grant everyone who kisses it the gift of gab, or eloquent speaking.  Great British Prime Minister Whinston Churchill, American Presidents Clinton and Reagan, and Rolling Stone Mick Jagger have all kissed the Blarney Stone. 

The Blarney Stone is only part of the beautiful park that surrounds the 600 year old castle ruins.  With the exception of adding railings and ropes for safety, the castle has not been restored.  The Stone is at the top of the main tower and visitors reach it after climbing 127 winding steps and stepping very carefully over the uneven stone walkway.  The view from the top over the town of Blarney and the green parkland is breathtaking.

Kissing the Stone is not a simple procedure.  The parapet (wall) in which the Stone is embedded is a couple of feet away from the walkway.  You have to lie on your back, scoot to the edge, and lean backwards to plant your lips on the rock.  There are employees there to help brace you, and of course, take your picture, available for purchase in the gift shop.  To answer one of the most asked questions, the workers are also sitting there with a bottle of cleaner.

Too often when visiting an attraction, we get caught up in the touristy thing to do and miss the little delights.  Surrounding the Castle is a delightful park full of surprises.  The Rock Close is a nature trail with natural formations given cute nicknames like "The Witches Stone."  A short walk away is the Blarney House and the Lake.  In the nearby town of Blarney are the Blarney Woolen Mills for shopping indulgences and a couple of good restaurants, including a cafeteria style eatery perfect for large groups.

What exactly is the Blarney Stone, though?  Well, no one really knows.  There are several popular legends about it.  Legends include that it was Jacob's Pillow from the Bible story.  It may have been a a type of Sorceror's Stone for selecting the kings of Ireland.  It may have been carried from Scotland or carried home from the Crusades.

The Blarney Castle was part of my last student tour.  All of the students in my group got to do the touristy thing and kiss the Stone.  I was also proud of them because they took the time to explore the Rock Garden.  When you visit another country, you have time to eat and sleep later.  Take advantage of every moment you have and see as much as possible.

You can see some terrific photos of the castle and gardens and learn more about the Stone at http://www.blarneycastle.ie/.  You can also see more about my next trip at http://www.eftours.com/, tour title "Grand Tour of Italy."