Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle rises 90 feet (27 meters) above the River Martin, presenting defensive walls, towers, and multiple chambers across three main levels. The stone structure shows narrow spiral staircases, arrow loops, and a central keep that once served as a fortified noble residence.

Cormac MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, built the castle in 1446 as a fortified seat for his family. Parliamentarian forces captured it during the Irish Confederate Wars in 1646, ending the MacCarthy dynasty's hold.

The ritual of kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over a gap while gripping iron rails, a practice that draws visitors from around the world. Many believe it grants eloquence, though locals often smile at the tradition while tending their everyday routines around the estate.

The spiral staircases are steep and the climb to the stone requires caution, especially in wet weather. Visitors with limited mobility will find accessible paths through the outer grounds, though the tower itself is not fully accessible.

The grounds hold a Poison Garden where iron gates secure toxic plants including wolfsbane, mandrake, and ricinus. Each plant carries a warning sign explaining its toxic properties, while visitors view the collection from a safe distance.