THE BLARNEY STONE

                               When There Gotta Do!

           Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone, is in County Cork. Its tall tower overlooks the River Lee and the surrounding wooded countryside. There are several legends regarding the stone, the most popular being that Elizabeth the First demanded the 15^th century fortress/castle but the Lord of Blarney kept putting her off. Eventually she said he was full of blarney meaning his word meant nothing. Another legend says the prophet Jeremiah brought the stone from the Holy Land.

            It is said that if one kisses the stone he will receive the gift of gab and eloquence. Many of us climbed the 127 narrow twisting stone steps to the top. The slow moving crowd made for an easy climb and the view at the top was magnificent on the clear sunny day. Blarney House is a Scottish baronial mansion that has been the residence of the Colthurst family since the 18^th century and was easily visible from the top of the castle.

            To kiss the stone one has to lie on his back, grab hand rails and bend over backwards. One had better empty his pockets and remove glasses. More than one has lost his treasures by not heeding this advice. A fellow is there to assist, as it is really something one cannot do on his own very well. There is no graceful way an older person can get into position, but we were all in the same boat so to speak. I’m sure the photographer is a permanent fixture---never missing an opportunity to snap a picture.

            After kissing the stone, we took our time leaving the production line to absorb the fantastic view of the grounds below. After descending back to ground level I walked a couple of the several paths covering the lovely grounds. A fellow traveler joined me just before I made my wish and walked backwards up on the 26 wishing steps. The paths were uncrowded and wove though peaceful quiet wooded areas.

            I was there, I did it, but I probably enjoyed the grounds and the walks most. The tranquility  and quiet were wonderful.

            Castles, ruins, lush fields, craggy coastlines, gentle hills, azure lakes, and ancient monuments abound in Ireland making it an incredible picturesque old world country. Its long and passionate history is evident in landscapes and the lives of the friendly people. Yet, today Ireland is also one of Europe’s most vibrant nations. Ireland’s remote western seaboard has sheltered the old traditions of language, music and folklore that have enabled them to survive. Although the European Union is bringing many changes to Ireland the local economy still relies on small farms, fishing co-ops, and cottage industries.