Blarney Castle, Cork

Blarney Castle is a historic fortress located in the town of Blarney, in County Cork. The castle dates back to the 13th century when a timber house was believed to have been constructed on the site. This was later replaced by a stone fortification around 1210. However, the current keep that stands today was built in 1446 by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, the Lord of Muskerry, who was a member of the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a branch of the Kings of Desmond.

Blarney Castle played a significant role in the Irish Confederate Wars when it was besieged by Parliamentarian forces led by Lord Broghill in 1646. The castle was eventually restored to Donough MacCarty, who was made the 1st Earl of Clancarty after the Restoration. However, during the Williamite War in Ireland in the 1690s, the castle was seized, and the 4th Earl of Clancarty was captured, resulting in the confiscation of his lands, including Blarney Castle, by the Williamites.

Over the centuries, Blarney Castle changed hands several times, with different owners adding their touches to the castle and its surroundings. Sir James Jeffreys, governor of Cork City, purchased the castle in the early 18th century, and it remained in his family until the mid-19th century.

Today, Blarney Castle is a popular tourist attraction, with its highlight being the Stone of Eloquence, also known as the Blarney Stone. The stone is located among the machicolations of the castle, and visitors can hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone. It is believed that kissing the Blarney Stone gives the gift of eloquence.

There are also extensive gardens surrounding the castle, featuring natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave, and the Wishing Steps. The poison garden, located within the grounds, features numerous poisonous plants, including wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin, and opium, as well as cannabis. Blarney House, located on the grounds, is also open to the public.