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Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. It is near the River Martin. The castle originally dates from before AD 1200. It was destroyed in 1446, but subsequently rebuilt by Cormac MacCarthy, the King of Munster. It is currently a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and the battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. Photographs are taken of the "magic moment". There are many legends as to the origin of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil—a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned.
Surrounding the castle are beautiful and quite extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations which have been given fanciful names, such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. Blarney House, a Scottish baronial-style mansion, was built on the grounds in 1874. It is also open to the public.
Wikipedia
Blarney Castle Hotel
Frequent buses run all day from Cork city center to the airport. Buses run approximately every hour between Cork City bus station and Blarney. A taxi from the airport to the hotel will cost approximately 25 EUR.
From Cork International Airport:
Approximate distance to the hotel is 14 kilometers.
From the airport follow signs for Cork on the N25.
Take the ring road around Cork and follow N20 north.
Exit R617 on the left and follow signs for Blarney Village.
The hotel is located on the Village Green.
Area Attractions
Blarney Castle (home to the Blarney Stone) - 100 meters
Blarney Woollen Mills - 100 meters
Cork City - 9.0 kilometers
Expert Tip: Blarney Castle Hotel Was Built In 1837 Adjacent To The Blarney Castle, Home Of The Famed Blarney Stone. The Stone Is Also Known As The Stone Of Eloquence, For Those To Kiss The Stone Are Rumored To Be Blessed With The "Gift Of Gab." Extensive Gardens And Natural Rock Formations Surround The Castle.
