Blarney Castle

This place has a reputation as a tourist trap, but we found it delightful. The gardens and grounds were breathtakingly beautiful, landscaped with all types of flowers.
I walked up the steep spiral stone staircase to see the Blarney Stone. It was purportedly brought from the Holy Land during the crusades. I am somewhat skeptical. No kissing for me, but I did get a picture.
The castle was owned by the McCarthy clan, and dates back to the 1400's.
Close by the castle is a site purported to be an ancient druidic site with dolmans, or standing stones.

Flower lined walkway.

Ricky at the dungeon entrance.

Blarney castle upon approach. It is under renovation and has scaffolding around part of it.

Sitting at the base of the castle looking up to the Blarney Stone.

Spiral stone staircase up and down to the stone.

This man was sitting with his legs dangling down, helping people lie down and stick their heads off the edge to kiss the curved stone. Since it is so famous, seems it should sparkle or something, like a gemstone. Lol

Standing stones near the castle. Legend has it that a king returning from war rode past the stones. He had 7 daughters and 2 sons, but lost both sons in battle. He had 2 stones pushed over, leaving 7 stones standing. The stones are known as The Seven Sisters.