Blarney Castle
In its own right the ruins of the 15th century Blarney Castle & its grounds are certainly worth a visit. However adding the hype of “kissing the Blarney Stone” has turned it into one of the most visited sites in Ireland. This myth apparently originated with Queen Elizabeth I being exasperated at Lord Blarney talking endlessly and hence first used the expression “to talk Blarney”. From that expression it was a short marketing segue to awkwardly kissing a stone high up in the tower. The only way to do this is to lean backwards over a long drop. Don’t bother thinking of the hygiene.
Visitors queuing on the right to be dangled over the drop to kiss the Blarney Stone.
There are a number of well laid out gardens & walks in the grounds.
