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Blarney CastleThe original Blarney Castle dates back to the 10th century, which was an original timber structure and was later replaced in 1446 by a stone structure, which was completed by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster. The castle remained in the McCarthy family until 1646 upon the arrival of Oliver Cromwell whom overthrew the McCarthy�s. The castle was returned to the McCarthy family in 1661 when King Charles II took the English throne. The castle was again taken in the battle of Boyne in 1690, and the McCarthy�s were again forced to vacate Blarney Castle, and was then sold to Sir James Jefferyes, Governor of Cork in 1703.
The Blarney Stone, which resides high in the upper area of the castle, at the top of a long spiral staircase overlooking a beautiful Irish countryside. The Blarney stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 after the battle of Bannockburn. The stone is believed to have special powers of some sort, which is why many Kings were crowned over it. But one of the most intriguing legends regarding the Blarney Stone that it is said to give the "Gift of Gab" to anyone that bends to kiss it.
