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The Blarney Stone

The Blarney stone is a lucky stone that is set in the wall of the Blarney castle. Blarney castle is an old castle in the Irish village of Blarney. Blarney castle was originally commissioned to be built in 1446 by Dermot Laidir McCarthy, the Lord of Muskerry. The castle was built on a high rock above the River Martin. The walls were built 18 feet thick and 83 feet high to stave off attacks from Cromwellians and William III's troops. The stone was received in 1314 as gratitude for support in the Battle of Bannockburn. It was set into the castle just below the battlements. Sometime after this it came to be called the Blarney Stone. There is a famous legend associated with the Blarney Stone.

The legend of the Blarney Stone came from a tale that has been passed down through generations. The stone is said to have magical powers. One legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone as a reward for the king who had saved her from drowning. The spell said that by kissing the stone the king would have a persuasive tongue and that all his subjects would obey him. The legend has been changed slightly though the ages to include the passing of this luck to all who kiss the stone. Anyone who kisses the stone will in turn receive this good luck.

Thousands of tourists visit the castle every year. They line up to kiss the Blarney Stone. The stone itself is located on a part of the wall that is between the main castle and the parapet. In order to kiss the stone, you need to stretch backwards and downwards while holding onto iron rails for support. It takes some balance and agility to be able to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive your gift of eloquence or good luck. Two strong guards are assigned to help hold the legs of all those who attempt to kiss the Blarney Stone, to keep them from falling headfirst over the tall castle wall.

Famous around the world, the Blarney Stone is probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Ireland. It is a destination spot for all who travel to or tour Ireland. Blarney village is located just north of Cork, in the southern region of Ireland. Blarney village was a small town, which became famous in the last several centuries for woolen mills, producing well-known Blarney tweed. It is nestled in a river valley surrounded by lush landscape. Many of the small cottages have beautiful gardens. Some of the homes were built to incorporate mills that were used in the production of wool. Many of these homes are still standing today.

The Blarney Stone is as popular today as it was in years past. The legend of the Blarney Stone has been kept alive and passed down through generations of Irish people. Current day books and movies help to keep the fable of the Blarney Stone alive and make it famous to all those across the world.

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