We kissed the Blarney Stone.

Intrigued by the sentiment of ‘kissing the Blarney Stone’ we thought we would take a day trip to Blarney Castle, which meant a flight to Cork in Ireland via Stanstead then a taxi ride from the airport to the castle. And we decided to do it in a day, exciting and great fun!!!

We now know we must give ourselves 1 1/2 hours to travel, park the car, and walk to the airport terminal to then go straight to departures. As always Stanstead security was the usual ‘mob shuffle’, the person who went ‘ping’ through the metal detector this time was Dylan who quite enjoyed the thrill of a search and shoe check. The security people were very kind to him chatting with him through the whole experience. I now know he should not wear his denim shirt at the airport as he went ping hence searched on the return journey too.

When we entered Blarney Castle grounds a sense of wonderland as we took in the scene. On the right a substantial stream scattered with wishing coins serenaded by a harpist on the stream bank in front of a corridor of trees with gaily knitted stockings the full length of the trees trunks leading to the castle. There is no doubt the castle portrayed an air of dominance by its sheer height and ruggedness. Making our way around the castle the intimidation of the structure was very apparent. The steps were steep through narrow stairways. The tunnels dark dingy leading to dank dungeons, Dylan had to crouch to get through, Milo was on his hands and knees. All the passages well-trodden, smooth uneven stone. Climbing to the top of the castle was strenuous with our heart in our hand as Dylan leapt around less familiar with the potential dangers. Jerry’s anxiety was more acute due to his added fear of heights!!!

At the top of the castle is the ‘Blarney Stone’, once kissed the gift of ‘eloquence’ is received. The stone is reached by lying flat on your back, head back over an opening with an instruction to hold bars either side of your head then reach down to kiss the stone. An ‘OMG’ experience! I did it with my heart in my mouth as it is so high up the castle with very little to stop you falling, fortunately aided by a man positioning each person. Milo, Dylan and myself kissed the Blarney Stone.

 Jerry declined! Going pale, feeling weak with wobbly knees he was sitting down behind a parapet, the top of the castle was moving for Jerry giving a response of he needed to get down to ground level, again!

With a refreshing cup of tea in the castle café, we were looking up at the castle when we were truly able to reflect where we had just been to kiss the stone. We could see from the underside by looking up where people were lying down and dangling. A reflection of Wow and OMG exclamation.

The castle grounds were very interesting to wander around with the

           poison garden, growing cannabis

           fairy glade

witches stone, kitchen, sacrificial altar, wishing steps and waterfall

druids circle and cave

pinetum

seven sisters

fern garden and waterfall, and more.

A long day finished with an ice cream on Blarney town green before we flew home. Definitely a lovely family day to remember when we embraced the ‘gift of eloquence’ – not that any of my boys need any more encouragement to talk. X.

Hope you enjoy Milo's 2min video below of our trip.