Blarney Castle and Gardens

The castle itself was a medieval stronghold in the town of Blarney in Cork, Ireland.

It was built by McCarthy of Muskerry in 1446 and has survived several battles and changes in ownership. Today, it’s mostly a ruin with a couple of rooms still intact.

At the top of a long climb up narrow, winding stairs is the Stone of Eloquence which hangs over a sheer drop. It is believed that if you climb under it and kiss it, you will be gifted with eloquence, hence the name. While I didn’t make that climb for the wait was over an hour, many of my fellow tourists did.

The grounds surrounding the castle include well kept and include stone buildings and ruins, several gardens, and hiking trails. My favorite part was the poisonous plant garden where I came across these monkshood flowers still in full bloom.

In other gardens, I found Peruvian lily, geranium, acanthus, holly, aster, and anemone.

Blarney castle is definitely worth the visit if you happen to be in that part of Ireland. Dress warm and bring an umbrella, just in case. It is Ireland after all.