The Blarney Stone is one of the top landmarks in Ireland, but is it worth all the hype?
The famous Blarney Stone needs no introduction since it is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland; in fact, over 400,000 people visit the iconic landmark every year – so, of course, it is not a hidden gem that no one knows about.
This heritage spot is famous for a reason. With its rich history, its claim to bring you the gift of the gab if you kiss it, and its magical countryside location, there is no wonder that many visitors to Ireland don’t think twice about seeing it for themselves.
However, with that in mind, we ask: is it all cracked up to be? We will look at whether the Blarney Stone is worth visiting or just a tourist trap like many worldwide.
So, if you are toying with the idea of visiting one of Ireland’s best and most unique attractions, stay tuned as we uncover whether it is worth the hype and worth the money.
The Blarney Stone – what is it?
The Blarney Stone is located in County Cork, and kissing the Blarney Stone is regarded as one of the top things to do when visiting Ireland.
Why, you ask? Well, legend would have it that those who kiss the stone will receive ‘the gift of the gab’ – the ability to speak eloquently. If you know Irish people at all, you will know everyone is naturally born with this persuasive, talkative trait.
Located within Blarney Castle Estate, which dates back to 1446, in the quaint village of Blarney, this iconic heritage spot is not just a place visited by the general public; in fact, many celebrities have made the journey to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone and see what it’s all about.
The fact that Blarney is easily accessible from many parts of Ireland, especially Limerick, Cork, and Dublin, means that people can visit on a simple day trip and return with the gift of the gab – hopefully anyway!
So it might be easily accessible and popular, but is it worth it or not?
Worth visiting or tourist trap? – let’s explore
Many of us travel to see highlights of the world, but at the same time, we also want to discover hidden gems when we visit a country, which is certainly not the case for the Blarney Stone.
This heritage landmark has a rich history, but you will almost always be there with a crowd of people and rarely alone, so is it worth spending money to visit? It’s just a stone, after all!
With this aside, the Blarney Stone is a magical place which attracts people from all over the globe for great reason, and while you need to pay an entry fee and take time out of your trip to venture off to the estate, we can assure you that it is worth the effort.
The legend around the Blarney Stone and the Irish folklore that goes with it is what Ireland is all about, and there are not many places in the world that can compare.
Also known as the Stone of Eloquence, the Blarney Stone is a stone that should be kissed upside down, so it is worth noting that it can be a little frightening if you are afraid of heights or have vertigo.
But, as the saying goes, if it were meant to be easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing, so in this case, it is worth taking your time and making memories.
Things to know – deciding to visit the Blarney Stone
While we must admit that the Blarney Stone is an iconic place to visit, there are a few things to know that will make or break your decision to add it to your itinerary:
- It is said to have the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it – but only when kissed correctly upside down or leaning backwards.
- As of March 2023, admission costs are between €9 and €20, depending on your chosen ticket. Family tickets cost €50.
- This landmark is frequently visited, and you can expect many visitors there, especially in the sumer.
- The stone is 85 ft (25 m) high and located on the east wall of the ancient castle battlements – it is not for the faint-hearted.
- Visiting here also means seeing Blarney Castle and its surrounding gardens, which complement each other perfectly.
- Unlike many years ago when people were held by their ankles, safety is of great importance, so there is nothing to fear when planning to kiss the famous stone.
Now that you have seen what the Blarney Stone is all about, would you agree that it is worth the hype or just another tourist trap? If you have the time, this landmark is one to tick off your list, without a doubt.
