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Wow, it has been almost a year since our trip to Ireland and I still have a few stops to write about. Today I’ll be covering one of the most famous castles in Ireland, Blarney Castle. It is located here in County Cork.

The castle grounds are quite extensive and offer alot more than just touring a 600 year castle. But the castle is the biggest draw and we had to see what that Blarney Stone is all about. The interior is a little cramped. I doubt it was designed with 6′ 4″ Americans in mind.

Once you get to the top the views are spectacular. I love heights, so this was a thrill for me. Look how small the trees look from up here.

Here is a view from the opposite side. The clouds follow us everywhere.

A lot of the interior is missing. This is also best viewed from the top.

None of us kissed the Blarney Stone. How many mouths have been on that thing? Here is a little description of what is involved.

Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. Today, we are rather more cautious of the safety of our visitors. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.

I don’t have a picture of it because photos are not allowed.

Next we headed into the gardens called Rock Close.

There are all kinds of Druid artifacts here ranging from caves to sacrificial altars to wishing stairs.

Legend has it that if you walk the steps backwards, both up and down, with your eyes closed, whatever you wish for will come true. It was fun watching the tourists give it a try.

The trees are interesting too. I love how the shallow roots grow over the rocks.

Next we headed into town to the Blarney Woolen Mills. For more pictures from Blarney Castle click here.