Blarney Castle was originally a timber hunting lodge built
in the 10th century, which was replaced by a stone castle in 1210. The present
day construction was completed by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster in 1446. The
Castle remained the ancestral stronghold of the McCarthy family until the
arrival of Oliver Cromwell with cannon guns in 1646. Fifteen years later with
the arrival of King Charles II on the English throne saw the return of the
McCarthys to the Castle.
Following the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, all Irish chiefs were stripped of
their powers and the McCarthys were again forced to leave Blarney Castle. The
Castle was sold to Sir James Jefferyes, Governor of Cork in 1703. The Castle is
now owned and managed by the Trustees of the Blarney Castle Estate.
Kissing the Blarney stone
The world famous Blarney Stone is situated high up in the battlements of the
castle. On top are spectacular views of the lush green Irish countryside, Blarney
House and The Village of Blarney.
The stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged
to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed
to have special powers.
The stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for
his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.
Queen Elizabeth I wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under
title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, handled every Royal
request with subtle diplomacy, promising loyalty to the Queen without
"giving in." Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a
lot of Blarney", thus giving rise to the legend. I too have now acquired the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone.
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