Blarney Castle Ireland Guide

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BLARNEY STONE
On the tour I learned that the Blarney Stone was only five miles northwest of Cork City, and that it wasn’t on our schedule. I was shocked. I know the Blarney Stone is the most touristy thing to do in Ireland, and that most natives (even Corkonians) have never even visited, let alone kissed it but it’s one of those things I felt I had to do -- especially because I was so close. According to legend, kissing the Blarney Stone gives the gift of the gab (I know, some people claim I already have it). I was able to talk Tom and the rest of the group into skipping our long sit-down lunch, and making the trip to nearby Blarney Castle. That’s right, the blarney stone is located at the top of a magnificent castle. I had no idea! To enter the castle you pay an admission fee of €7 for adults, €5 for seniors/students, €2 for children and €16 for families (2 adults and 2 children 8-14). The castle grounds are beautiful, and worth a visit just to walk through. That was the first time all trip that I felt I was in a foreign land -- possibly even a fairy tale, when I saw the 1446 castle and the green surroundings.

GETTING THE GIFT OF GAB
Reaching the top required climbing a bunch of narrow spiral stone stairs. They were not claustrophobic at all, thanks to plenty of open windows. The views from the top are incredible. We had plenty of time to admire them too, because there was queue (mostly American tourists) to kiss the stone. This was the only bummer, but we waited only 10 minutes. I later read that the term "blarney" was introduced by Queen Elizabeth I of England. She defined it as "pleasant talk, intending to deceive without offending." The Blarney stone itself is set in the wall. Kissing it requires lying down on your back, and leaning backwards (don’t worry a man there holds you and shows you how to grab the iron railing). It’s a good thing he’s there, because the drop is quite high and people might get spooked seeing the bird’s-eye view while leaning back. Later in the day I was bragging to some locals that I kissed the stone. They chuckled and said, "You know, that’s where Irish men go to pee." After I made a crazy disgusted face (because I practically made out with that stone) they smirked to let me know they were kidding. Those Irish are so funny.

VIDEO
Here’s a couple 1-minute Johnny Jet videos of my trip to Dublin and of Cork/Blarney Castle. With high-speed the videos take about two minutes each to load; with dial-up, allow three weeks.

NEXT WEEK
Next week we take another trip by rail out to another Irish countryside city. We then travel to a different European country. The way we get there is not what you expect.

Happy Travels,

Johnny Jet

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WEB RESOURCES

Pictures From Dublin

Blarney Castle

View From Top

Kissing The Stone

LIVE WEB CAMS OF THE WEEK
This week's webcams are in Edinburgh, Scotland and Surfer�s Paradise, Australia. Edinburgh, Scotland Surfer�s Paradise, Australia

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