The Blarney Stone The legend of this famous stone, the Blarney stone, is as original and imaginative as Ireland itself. For many years now  the stone has attracted tourists who want to enjoy its beautiful surroundings and also seeking to gain the power of speech.  You see those that kiss it gain the gift of the gab, the ability to speak fluidly on any topic! The stone is found in Blarney Castle, located just outside of Cork.

 It dates from the 10th century and was replaced in the 12th by a stone castle. Its builders were the Clan McCarth, the Kings of Munster. Their hegemony over Munster lasted until 1646 when they were driven out by Oliver Cromwell's sacking of Munster. Stories about the stone abound:  it is actually the Lia Fail or otherwise called the Stone of Destiny - upon which the King of Ireland was throned. it was Jacob's pillow, brought to Ireland by Jeremiah, the prophet any other combination of fanciful story you can imagine. One thing about the stone is true. It as popular today with as it was 500 hundred years ago and will continue to be popular with visitors looking to gain mastery over words.