What do tourists travel to Cork, Ireland to kiss?

For centuries, visitors from all over the world have flocked to Blarney Castle, located about 8 kilometers from the city of Cork. Their destination is a block of Carboniferous limestone built into the castle's battlements. According to a long-standing legend, bestowing a kiss upon this stone grants the kisser the "gift of the gab," a distinctively Irish term for great eloquence and the art of flattery. This tradition has been popular for over 200 years, attracting everyone from world leaders to famous artists.

The origins of the stone's supposed power are steeped in folklore. One of the most popular legends involves Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, the builder of Blarney Castle in the 15th century. Facing a difficult lawsuit, he appealed to the goddess Clíodhna, who told him to kiss the first stone he saw on his way to court. He did so and went on to argue his case with such great eloquence that he won. He then had the stone incorporated into the parapet of his castle. Other stories connect the stone to Robert the Bruce of Scotland, suggesting it was a gift and a piece of the historic Stone of Scone.

To actually kiss the stone is a memorable experience. It is set in the wall below the battlements, requiring visitors to lean backward and hold onto iron railings to reach it. In earlier times, the ritual was even more daring, with participants being held by their ankles and dangled over the edge. The word "blarney" itself has entered the English language, meaning clever or flattering talk, a testament to the stone's enduring legacy.