Discover the thrilling tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone upside down! Explore its history, myths and all there is to know behind the “gift of gab”!
Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down – You Can Do It!
Have you ever heard of the legendary Blarney Stone in Ireland? If yes, you are probably familiar with the custom of kissing it upside down!
But what exactly is this famous Irish landmark, and why does everyone who visits it kiss the Blarney Stone upside down?
Hold your horses because in this article all your questions will be solved!
Here you will find all there is to know about one of Ireland’s most famous attractions, steeped in legend and history, and brace yourself for experiencing this extraordinary experience! So, Let’s get started!
What Is the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone also called the “Stone of Eloquence,” is embedded in the battlements of Blarney Castle, near Cork, an imposing structure built over 600 years ago.
This unique limestone block is said to grant the “gift of gab”—eloquence and persuasive speech—to those who kiss it. What’s the catch? You have to kiss it upside down!
Why Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down?
So, why kiss the Blarney Stone upside down? And why all the fuss about it?
According to legend, those who kiss the stone are immediately endowed with the power of eloquence and persuasion. Kissing this slab of ancient limestone imbues you with rhetorical power and rhetorical ability.
It’s an age-old tradition, and it is also the cause behind the fame and popularity of Blarney Stone; Long story short, this is why millions visit this site from all over the world each year.
Kissing the Blarney Stone is not a mere peck: It requires lying on your back, leaning backward over a tall parapet and making contact with the stone with your lips while gripping metal railings for safety.
If you think is a piece of cake, you better give it some second thought.
The Origins and Myths of the Blarney Stone
Many of these that stand tall could comprise one of the 7 wonders in the world! Blarney Castle is believed to have been built in the 15th century by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy.
After that, there are three predominant stories regarding its history:
1. The Gift of the Goddess Clíodhna
One story recounts how Cormac sought help from the Irish goddess Cliodhna when facing a court case. She advised him to kiss the first stone he found on his way to court. Following her guidance, he won the case with newfound eloquence. This stone supposedly became the Blarney Stone, endowed with magical powers, which he later embedded in the castle’s parapet in 1446.
2.Blarney and Queen Elizabeth I
Another tale involves Cormac Teige MacCarthy, who needed to persuade Queen Elizabeth I to honor his land rights. He kissed a special stone as directed by an old woman and impressed the Queen with his eloquence, saving his land. Thus, the Blarney Stone became famed for bestowing the “gift of gab,” granting eloquence, flattery, and persuasive charm to those who kiss it.
Another version of this story wants the term “blarney” to have become associated with persuasive but nonsensical talk after Queen Elizabeth I accused Cormac Teige McCarthy of giving her “a lot of blarney” during negotiations.
Who can actually know?
3. A Piece of the Stone of Scone
Finally, the third predominant story – although not carrying the same doses of mystery, talks about some people believing the Blarney Stone is part of the Stone of Scone, used in the coronation of Scottish kings.
Whatever the case, feel free to choose the tale you like and get ready for an adventurous journey, enmeshed in legend and myth.
How to Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down
Getting to the juicy part of the article, here you’ll discover your step-by-step guide on how to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down.
So, read carefully and take notes.
1.Plan Your Visit
First things first, kissing the Blarney Stone requires you to prepare for your visit there.
- Book your Tickets: You can do it online to skip the long queues, or have the patience to wait for your turn once you get there.
- Best Time to Visit: You better choose to visit the block of ancient limestone early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Accessibility: You should know that while the castle grounds are wheelchair-friendly, the climb is not. Reaching the site involves steep, narrow stairs, which may not suit children or elderly people.
2.Get Set for the Climb
Before ascending the imposing Blarney Castle make sure you are well prepared. Meaning:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The castle stairs are uneven and steep, so sturdy footwear is a must, whether male or female.
- Secure Your Belongings: Choose a back bag. It will allow you to keep your hands free to hold onto the railings. Don’t forget to have a bottle of water with you. You might get thirsty once you reach the top.
Tip: The stone is located in the castle’s east wall, 85 feet above ground, and you must climb 128 narrow steps to reach it.
3.Get into Position
Kissing the Blarney Castle isn’t an on-off action. It requires you to take a specific position to reach and kiss the stone. Here is what you’ll have to do:
- Lie on your back on the parapet platform.
- Grab the metal railings and lean your upper body backward.
- With the help of an attendant, lower your head.
- Finally, kiss the Blarney Stone. Yes, touch your lips on it to get its blessings and the “gift of gab”.
Tip: Historically, people were held by their ankles. Nowadays, there is no need for that.
4.Capture the Moment
You want this unique moment to be captured. You want to bring it home with you and show it to your friends and family. Do not Worry, because photographers on-site will take your picture while you kiss the stone. And you can purchase it afterward as a sacred keepsake.
There you have it! The crucial steps you need to take to kiss the Branley Stone and be one more person who will live and tell the tale.
After that, you’ll just have to observe if your speech and eloquent skills have gotten better. Your social circle can also help you with that.
The Unique Experience of Kissing the Stone
Kissing the Blarney Stone upside down isn’t just about the act. It’s way more than that.
In its essence, it’s about embracing the Irish culture, its history, and the spirit of adventure. Visitors often describe it as exhilarating, slightly nerve-wracking, and utterly unforgettable.
So, now it’s your turn!
Celebrities Who Kissed the Blarney Stone Upside Down
If you are wondering if the Stone has been touched by the lips of notable people, take a look at these famous names:
- Sir Winston Churchill
- Sir Mick Jagger
- Stan Laurel (while Oliver Hardy waited below)
- Sir Walter Scott
- Ronald Reagan
All these famous faces lend further mystique to the tradition, but no one actually knows if they ever verified the legend. Did they get the “gift of gab”?
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Although going there to just kiss the Blarney Stone upside down is a wholesome experience and enough on its own, you can dedicate some time to explore other nearby attractions.
Image: Source
1. The Blarney Castle Gardens
Stroll around the lush green surroundings of the diverse landscapes like the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, and Bog Garden. Inhale the clear and brisk air and let yourself feel alive and rejuvenated.
2. The Witch’s Stone and Wishing Steps
Another legend has it that walking the wishing steps on the Witch Stone with your eyes closed – a bit fearsome to be honest – will grant your wishes. So, close your eyes and pay attention to your wishes! You never know!
3. The Blarney Village
Below Blarney Castle, the homonym charming village is spread, awaiting you to explore its cute shops, blasting pubs, and local food restaurants. Pass some leisure time there to experience the authentic Irish fare.
4.The Cork city
Nearby Cork offers a bunch of historical and cultural attractions such as the Butter Museum, Elizabeth Fort, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and Blackrock Castle.
Whether you kiss the Blarney Stone upside down or not, visiting Cork can enrich your journey even more.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you are heading to Cork, to explore Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone make sure you keep the following tips in mind:
- Prepare for the Weather: Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable. Wind and rain can appear abruptly. So, bring a rain jacket with you and wear comfortable clothing.
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, arrive early and explore the grounds before the crowds arrive. Otherwise, you’ll lose precious time waiting.
- Respect the Rules: Make sure you follow the safety guidelines the castle staff enforces during the climb. No one likes accidents.
FAQs
Why do you have to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down?
You have to kiss it to be blessed with the gift of eloquence and persuasive speech. This is the first part. The second part – kissing the Blarney Stone upside down – is because it’s the only way to reach the block of ancient limestone.
Leaning backward to kiss it is the only technique to achieve it. And this is what adds a unique and daring twist to the experience.
Is it safe to kiss the Blarney Stone?
Absolutely! There are safety measures in place, including metal railings and attendants to guide visitors.
However, if you suffer from a fear of heights or mobility issues you may find it challenging. Proceed at your own risk!
How hygienic is kissing the Blarney Stone?
Well, hygienic issues can bother some people. When over 400,000 visitors kiss the Stone annually, sterility is not its strong point. However, the stone is cleaned regularly – not after each kiss though.
If though, you want to ensure nothing passes your lips, you can kiss the Blarney Stone through a handkerchief or face mask. Some visitors do it like that.
Tip: The Blarney Stone once served as part of a toilet—specifically, the deflector stone at the base of a medieval loo. Oops, maybe we shouldn’t have shared this piece of info.
What is the “gift of gab”?
The “gift of gab” is a term that refers to eloquence and persuasive speech, particularly believed to be bestowed upon those who kiss the Blarney Stone.
Are you ready to verify the legend?
The Bottom Line
Kissing the Blarney Stone upside down is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a daunting experience, blending history, myth, and adventure in one unique visit. If you like to know more about Ireland, Ireland waterfall, Ireland best breakfast restaurant, Car Boot Sale Ireland, Best Hotels in Ireland and many more, please do not forget to explore our blogs.
Blarney Castle and the nearby Cork City, offer a rite of passage to Ireland’s rich heritage, scenic surroundings, local culture, and a generous dosage of adrenaline. Can you say no to something like that?
And who knows? Maybe you’ll finally be granted the blessings of the “gift of gab”. History will show. But, you’ll have gained the experience! And deep down this is what truly matters!
So, get ready to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down and embrace the adventure!