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How to Get Blarney - By Kissing the Blarney Stone

Member
By Desula
User-Submitted Article
(11 Ratings)
Desula Kissing the Blarney Stone, 2003
Desula Kissing the Blarney Stone, 2003

The term "blarney" means empty flattery and was coined by Queen Elizabeth I in response to the Lord of Blarney, Cormac Teige McCarthy's use of diplomacy.

I heard horror stories about people violating the Blarney Stone at night, it's just a rumor. The Blarney Stone is at the top of a castle, and you must pay an admission price to get on the grounds.

The Blarney Stone is located on the top of Blarney Castle. It is made of bluestone and there are many legends of its origin.

It's safe, and one of those lifetime experiences that you can say you did.

I attribute 82% of my eHow.com capabilities solely on the fact that I kissed the Blarney Stone and received the true "gift of gab". Here is how you can do that too!!!

My family and I took a trip to Ireland St. Patrick's Day week in 2003. This was something special my Dad and I were able to do together.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ticket to Ireland (flight, boat)
  • Capability to walk up several (approximately 120) narrow stairs
  1. Step 1

    1 - ARRIVE IN BLARNEY, IRELAND and find the Blarney Castle. It is on beautiful grounds and the castle itself is 82 feet high.

  2. Step 2

    2 - PURCHASE TICKET to the Blarney Castle and Gardens
    2008 prices are €10 for adults, €8 for Seniors and Children (price in Euros will vary based on the exchange rage)

    The only 2 days this is closed is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

  3. Step 3

    3 - EXPLORE THE GROUNDS They are stunning. They are open April - September.

  4. Step 4
    Looking UP to the Blarney Stone.
    Looking UP to the Blarney Stone.

    4 - WALK UP BLARNEY CASTLE - The steps are narrow. My Dad and I went and he reminded me where his nitroglycerin tables were. (Don't go alone, this must be shared with a friend or family member)

  5. Step 5
    Looking DOWN and every which a way for the Gift of Gab!!!
    Looking DOWN and every which a way for the Gift of Gab!!!

    5 - WAIT IN LINE TO KISS THE BLARNEY STONE - Enjoy the view. Prepare to get your "gift of gab".

  6. Step 6
    You won't fall!!!!
    You won't fall!!!!

    6 - TIP THE ATTENDANT BECAUSE WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO KISS THE BLARNEY STONE...

  7. Step 7

    7 - HE WILL HOLD YOUR LEGS as you scoot back and hold some handles over an open hole to kiss the Blarney Stone. It's over too quick. Prepare to be exhilarated.

  8. Step 8

    8 - GET YOUR PICTURE MADE WHILE YOU'RE ON TOP OF THE BLARNEY CASTLE and also look for other couples who want their picture made.

Tips & Warnings
  • STAY at the Avondale Lodge in Blarney, County Cork - Mrs. Rose O'Sullivan is a wonderful hostess.
  • VISIT Blarney Woolen Mills - eat at their restaurant, it's top notch
  • SIGHTSEE in the coastal city of Kinsale (45 minutes) and Cobh (40 minutes away)
  • Get detailed maps

Comments  

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on 9/23/2008 I love Ireland and I plan to visit the Blarney stone on my next visit.

amylaine said

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on 6/13/2008 Sounds interesting.

Gracie1402 said

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on 6/12/2008 We went to Irelend, saw the Blarney stone but did not kiss it because of the "ewww" factor lol. I probably should have anyway... :) It was really neat! Fun article!

LNAngel said

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on 6/11/2008 Would love to go there! Maybe when the eHow earnings add up, hehe.

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on 6/10/2008 So just what exactly is the Blarney Stone?

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