Guide Note

The Blarney Stone is a piece of bluestone embedded into the wall of the Blarney Castle. According to legend, travelers who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquent speech. Originally placed in the castle in 1446, the Blarney Stone remains a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Ireland.

Fast Facts

1. The Blarney Castle is in Cork, Ireland
2. Believed to have been set into the castle in 1446
3. Believed to be part of the famous Stone of Scone
4. A fragment of the Blarney Stone is believed to reside at Texas Tech University
5. Quote:
   • "There is a stone that whoever kisses, oh! He never misses to grow eloquent 'tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber, or become a member of parliament"¹
     • — Francis Sylvester Mahony

The Blarney Stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone, which for centuries was used in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish kings. The stone was presented to Cormac McCarthy by Scottish King Robert the Bruce as a token of appreciation for McCarthy's support at the Battle of Bannockburn.²