blarney castle ireland kiss

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. 2.Get Set for the Climb Before ascending the imposing Blarney Castle make sure you are well prepared. Meaning: 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: 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: 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