PSHUMPHRIES.CO.UK
PSHUMPHRIES.CO.UK
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Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Not all of that has been welcome, as Good Queen Bess and Oliver Cromwell could testify. But over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, including me of course making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words. But don't take my word for it - everyone from Sir Walter Scott to a host of American presidents, world leaders, and international entertainers has been eager to take advantage. However as you see below I kissed it with some difficulty. Now it is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it. mmmmmm ! The term 'Blarney' was introduced into the English language by Elizabeth 1 of England and is defined as 'pleasant talk, intending to deceive without offending'.
Yes that's me ! The stone was reputed to have been that mentioned in the Bible as 'Jacob's Pillow' and was supposed to have been brought to Ireland by Jeremiah the Prophet. It was more likely to have been brought back during the Crusades which legend applies also to the Stone of Scone now at Westminster Abbey. Another tale was that McCarthy was given the story of the stone by an old woman whom he saved from drowning. This lady turned out to be a witch. As a reward, she told him the secret of a stone in the castle which would give him the gift of eloquence in return for a kiss. Wherever the truth lies, tradition has it that once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence. NOW I AM NOT ONE TO MOAN BUT AFTER ALL THIS EFFORT 2 MINUTES LATER I HIT MY HEAD ON A LOW CEILING AND KNOCKED MY FILLING OUT, ON TH E WAY BACK TO THE COTTAGE A STONE CRACKED MY WINDSCREEN AND I WOKE UP WITH A SORE THROAT. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!! However, If people come for the Stone, ( not me anymore !) many stay for the mystical and beautiful Rock Close and gardens. Time has its own rules here. So settle down and spend some of that time looking at some photographs with me.. Things to see:
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Send mail to paul@pshumphries.co.uk with
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A
warm welcome to Blarney Castle, where all the real blarney began. I hope
you enjoy your visit and can take some time to explore.
The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, one
has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
