Irish Castles

Blarney Castle - Blarney, County Cork

Blarney is probably Ireland's most well known castle, and it receives thousands of visitors every year. The castle today was actually the third one built, and features ruins of a stone keep and towers dating to the 1400s.

Legends hold that four thousand Munster men aided Robert the Bruce during the battle of Bannockburn, and in return he presented half of the Stone of Scone to the men in gratitude for their help.

This is the foundation for the legend of the famous "Blarney Stone." At this castle, tourists grasp an iron rail while bending over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the "Gift of the Gab." This well known phrase reportedly was said by Queen Elizabeth I, who often became exasperated with Lord Blarney's talent for endless debate without ever acquiescing to her point of view.