3 Can’t-Miss Magical Sites Around the British Isles

The Blarney Stone

Set into the battlements of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland, the Blarney Stone is local legend stretching back for centuries depending on the lore you subscribe to. Some say Cormac McCarthy pled to the goddess Clíodhna for her assistance on his way to the courthouse where he was being sued; Clíodhna told McCarthy to kiss the first stone he found on his way to court — he did so, pleaded his case with eloquence and won. Others say it was a gift from Robert Bruce: His thanks for help fighting against Edward II was a part of the Stone of Scone. Others still speak of a Queen of Fairies, who mourned the slaying of her love by crying and kissing the stone he was slain on. Whatever the case, the gist is this: There is a stone, set into the wall at the top of the castle, and if you kiss it — you’ll spend the rest of your life blessed with the gift of gab. For those who feel less compelled to attempt the maneuvering required to reach it, Blarney Castle is home to volume’s worth of engaging history and intriguing fable.