So first question: Why is it Blarney?
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According to the dictionary, blarney means talk aimed at attracting, flattering, or persuading people, and is a fun fact—it’s often considered typical of Irish people. It made me curious and I wanted to know the reason and found the story interesting.
According to legend, Queen Elizabeth I wanted McCarthy to surrender Blarney Castle, but he cleverly used charm and persuasion to delay negotiations. He distracted the Queen and the Earl of Leicester and the castle was never captured. The Queen eventually used the term “blarney” to describe the Earl’s pointless progress reports and McCarthy’s excuses, causing the word to enter the Irish language.
Some say there was magic too. During the British threat, McCarthy traveled to speak to the Queen but was sure he would still lose his land because he was not an effective orator.
However, before he left, he met an old woman, some say a witch, who told him of the power of a certain stone in Blarney Castle that would grant him gab if kissed. McCarthy went on to convince the Queen and we now know that he was quite successful.
Fast forward to today, people kiss the stone hanging upside down to gain the “Gift of Gab”. but-
Why do people kiss the Blarney stone upside down?

Well, because it’s the only way to reach the stone. The stone forms a small part of the castle wall and to reach it you have to go down about six inches from the base of the roof. So you have to lie on your back and lean back a lot. There will be an iron railing to help. So, you’ll lean back, holding on tightly to the iron railing to avoid falling, while commanding a stunning view of the ground from 90 feet up.
To be honest, I was a bit scared. The castle looked really ancient, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it could handle all the visitors. But as I explored, I quickly realized that I was wrong to doubt its strength but correct in my guess about its age. Although kissing the stone only became a thing in the 18th century, the stone itself has been part of the castle since 1446.
We will hear stories but for those who are really afraid of heights don’t worry, you will be in good hands. A trained attendant will be there to guide you through the process, ensuring your safety every step of the way. And trust me, it’s definitely much safer than how people used to kiss stones in the past.
Can you believe they would tie visitors’ ankles together before kissing them? What a brave tradition! Well, as they say, if it were easy, everyone would do it!
This practice ended when a rumor spread that a traveler had escaped and tragically died. Yes, sometimes the old ways are not necessarily the best ways.
But the good news is that Blarney Castle isn’t about stone, it’s much more than that! So if you’re worried, skip 90 feet.
More than kisses!

The first thing that caught my eye as I approached the fort grounds was the imposing structure. The fort itself is a beauty. Its rich history dates back more than 600 years, and exploring it feels like a time-travel adventure—I still remember every little detail from my visit last January, and it was epic!
I boarded a train from Houston Station in Dublin and arrived at Cork Kent Station after a lovely ride through the Irish countryside. From there a quick bus ride took me straight to the doorstep of Blarney Castle. Simple PC!
And then I see the castle. Surprisingly, this fort was not the first fort to be built on the site. First, a 10th-century wooden structure was built, followed by a stone building around 1210. In 1446, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt by Cormac Macarthy, King of Munster.
And here, the Blarney Stone begins its journey. In 1446 the stone was added to the castle tower to strengthen the castle in the form of a battlement. To reach the rock, you have to endure a steep climb that includes 127 spiral stairs.
This climb is an adventure in itself! On each floor, there were opportunities to step away and visit rooms that held stories of the past. Entering each room, I could feel the fascinating life led within this fort.
The common rooms were not very big, but felt good for old times. There were signposts everywhere to show the way. As I followed it, the next surprise came, the rooftop view.
Reaching the roof, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the ground below. I guarantee that whether you are lining up to kiss the famous Blarney Stone or just soaking in the scenery, the height of the castle will provide an unforgettable view.
We descended a different spiral staircase, and the tension only increased. This new route took us to more interesting rooms and discoveries within Blarney Castle. Let me name a few.
Murder House

This room was located above the main entrance to Blarney Castle. The name sounds scary, but fear not, there are no actual murders. Instead, it had a square pit where guards would throw stones and weapons at intruders. This helped protect the fort from attack, keeping its inhabitants safe. So, although it sounds scary, it was really an important defense point of the castle.
The Witch’s Kitchen
No, no, the Witch’s Kitchen is not a real kitchen but a rock formation that resembles a kitchen. It is located near the base of the fort and is often included in guided tours of the fort grounds. People believe it was witches from mythology, who started the tradition of kissing.
But heard more mysterious stories there. The witch is said to be free at night, and if you visit the place early in the morning, you can see the dying embers of a fire in a nearby cave.
I’ll definitely go back to Blarney Castle, but you won’t catch me anywhere near that cave! No never. Look for me in the herb border instead.
The Herbaceous Border
You absolutely cannot miss the herbaceous borders of Blarney Castle! Stretching 100 meters long, it is like stepping into a floral paradise.
At the top, there is a charming 80-meter rose pergola that adds to its charm. The border is made up of mixed herbaceous vegetation and some say it is a must-see during the summer months. During these months, it bursts with mixed herbs and is painted in vibrant colors in autumn. So, whether you visit in summer or autumn, it is sure to leave you in awe.
For green lovers, there is more. Burnley Castle has 60 acres of gardens, including the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Ice House and Arboretum. Yes, you heard right. Poison Garden!
Poison Garden
To be honest, I never imagined encountering 70 different poisonous plant species all gathered in one place. All this was arranged to educate visitors about poisonous plants found both in the wild and in gardens. Even, the most dangerous plants were cages.
If you visit Blarney Castle, make sure to visit this spot. Don’t worry, you’ll see a sign that warns, ‘Do not touch, smell or eat any plant!’ Just keep your kids safe.
Last but certainly not least, I must mention Blarney House
Blarney House
I caught a glimpse of this fairytale abode from the top of the fort and how could I miss this beautiful architecture?
It is originally the residence of the Colthurst family, who have owned the estate since 1704. Blarney House is open for tours during the summer months when the family takes a vacation.
It’s not too far if you walk, about 200 meters south of the fort. I went in and it was a wonderful experience, although it felt a bit 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 home.
So, don’t miss this one either. House tours start every half hour, and you’ll need an extra ticket, available at the door for €6.
As you can imagine, from hauntingly beautiful gardens to fascinating architecture, there is something to captivate every adventurer. A few I haven’t mentioned are the Bog Garden, Giant Rhubarb, Badger’s Cave, Druid’s Cave, Wishing Steps, The Horse Graveyard, an Ice House, and the Large Forest. Other facilities for the convenience of visitors are the court exhibition room and a cafe and souvenir shop. I ended my journey by buying some traditional food and some gifts.
As I returned to Dublin, one element stuck with me along with all the other memories: the warmth of Irish hospitality. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and stories, making my trip truly unforgettable. I would rate it 10 out of 10.