Kissing the Blarney Stone

The legend of the Blarney Stone began in the 1300's.  The Blarney Stone formed half of the

original Stone of Scone (belonged to Scotland at one time) and was given to Cormac McCarthy,

Lord of Blarney, in 1314 by Robert the Bruce.    He gave the stone to McCarthy in gratitude for

his support during the Battle of Bannockburn.  

The Irish legend of the Blarney Stone claims that an old woman, saved from drowning by a 

king of Munster, rewarded him with a spell.  If he would kiss a stone on the castle's top,

he would have eloquent speech that would win him acclaim and admiration.  

The village of Blarney, is located about five miles northwest of the small city of Cork.  Near

the village of Blarney stands the castle of Blarney.  The original castle tower had three 

stories.  On the top story, just below the battlements on the parapet, is the world famous

Blarney Stone.  People travel from all the world to kiss the Blarney stone.  

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