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Home » Ireland trip

To kiss or not to kiss the Blarney stone

By Debbiedoo's Team Published: Mar 21, 2013 · Modified: Jun 9, 2021

Hello there friends! 

I think today, I will share with you a very suspenseful, keep you at the edge of your seat,

nail biting story. What about you ask? How about the spectacular Blarney castle!? If you have never been to Ireland, I would definitely say have it on your bucket list.

Truly a magical place that will forever be etched in our hearts and in our memories. Ok, enough mush… sooo… the famous Blarney castle, you know the castle..

Ireland 2013 051

 Have I mentioned, Ireland is full of castles…some are even just random, in the middle of nowhere. But the Blarney castle is on sprawling land and beautiful scenery that surrounds.

Did I also mention, that

you basically get four seasons

all in one day.

It starts off raining, snowing, sleet, hail

and then if you’re lucky some sunshine will head your way.

Ireland 2013 077

Regardless of the weather, it just does not matter…

you don’t go to Ireland for the sun and sand..

So, the story goes

here we are waiting, and waiting to climb up to the top of this most beautiful Blarney castle

and an easy feat it was NOT…

just getting up to the castle is a haul

Ireland 2013 069

If you have bad knees, you can forget about even going into the castle

or I should say,

I would not recommend it.

Ireland 2013 071

It’s a very long way up to the top…very cold, and an anxious climb up there as well.

Ireland 2013 090

My Mom may look happy right here….

but I can tell you

she was nervous, and very anxious.

So was I, but I did not lead onto that

we were going up!

Now you know the tale, when you get to the top

you kiss the Blarney stone

suppose to give you the gift of gab

ummmmmmmmmmmmmm…

do these people know who I am?

Ireland 2013 102

And here you are,

at the very top

overlooking the most gorgeous

countryside

 a feeling of accomplishment…

Ireland 2013 056

because as I mentioned it is not an easy way up.

The stairs are stones, winding,

turning, slippery slates

Ireland 2013 099

And you make it.

and you are ready to kiss the stone,

so you get down, lay on your back,

and there is a Man there to assist you

you know just in case you fall off the castle

and he tells you to slide back

and that is where you

STOP and say

No, I’m good, thanks!

and never even kiss the Blarney stone!

That was me:)

for the record, my Mom did not even attempt,

with her back and arthritis

she may still be lying there .

Ireland 2013 112

And here the rest of the family went skipping away

or should I say chattering away

because

they

indeed

kissed

the Blarney stone!

irish blessings

 PRINT HERE free Irish blessing printable

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoyed my Blarney stone castle story.

Truly remarkable place.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kim

    March 21, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Great photos! I probably wouldn’t have kissed it either.

    Reply
  2. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces

    March 21, 2013 at 8:51 am

    So scenic there…and such family memories!

    Reply
  3. Janel from NellieBellie

    March 21, 2013 at 9:00 am

    Oh wow!!! Look at that view!! What a great experience! Next time shove me in your suitcase…I promise to be tiny and kiss the stone for you!!!

    Reply
  4. Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    March 21, 2013 at 9:05 am

    Oh my goodness! My heart is beating fast just reading this! I would have been down in the gardens waving up at you…no way I could do the climb with my fear of heights and general intolerance of being touched by other people. Looks gorgeous though!

    Reply
  5. Vanessa

    March 21, 2013 at 9:19 am

    The climb seemed worth it for the view alone! Just beautiful!

    Reply
  6. linda

    March 21, 2013 at 9:44 am

    well i didt kiss it but my wonderful soninlaw mike kissed me after he kissed it so just as good to me and i didt come down in a strecher it was a blast
    🙂

    Reply
  7. Dawn

    March 21, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Beautiful Debbie:) My Hubby is Irish and it is on our bucket list:) Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  8. Jacque

    March 21, 2013 at 9:52 am

    That is great! I am with you though … fear of falling, no thanks!

    Reply
  9. Jocie@OPC The Better Half

    March 21, 2013 at 9:55 am

    hahahaha, i did the same thing – get all the way up there and say NO THANK YOU! lol! beautiful pix and welcome home!

    Reply
  10. Sandy

    March 21, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Debbie, I can tell you there are 103 ridiculously carved steps going down Blarney Castle’s tower because I counted them last September to lessen my anxiety. I will be celebrating a higher speed limit (sixty-five) in April, and I too did not lay back to kiss the rock. While standing in line, waiting to snap a picture of my friend getting the gift of gab, I found a large stone, wiped it, and kissed it. I know the woman behind me thought that was a good idea and did the same. I do recommend shopping at the store near Blarney Castle. It has an extensive inventory of beautiful Irish items. I am enjoying your pictures. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 21, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Thank you so much Sandy..what a great idea. My Mom is 63, and has really bad arthritis, so for her to make that climb, just blew me away! It was so wonderful though regardless…I felt like I was in heaven at the top.

      Reply
  11. Jessi @ Practically Functional

    March 21, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Gorgeous photos! I miss Ireland now! We didn’t go to Blarney castle while we were there, but I recognize those skinny skinny roads!

    Reply
  12. Bliss

    March 21, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Well IF I could make it to the top, and IF I would not be the biggest chicken alive, by God I’m kissing that stone!

    Bliss

    Reply
  13. Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint

    March 21, 2013 at 10:41 am

    I’m with your mother, Debbie! I wouldn’t have been able to get back up and I’m sure my gift of gab would have been just fine. Great photos!! Thanks for taking all of us on your journey!

    Reply
  14. Cynthia

    March 21, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Pricelss pictures of such beauty. I always tell my husband if we go to Ireland someday I am not kissing the stone. I am too afraid of heights for that one. He giggles.

    Cynthia

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 21, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      Yes, it’s pretty high up there, and I too am afraid of heights..but your adrenaline gets you up there:)

      Reply
  15. Courtenay

    March 21, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Oh my goodness! Must go to Ireland! I’m going to start saving my pennies right now! That view is amazing!

    Reply
  16. grammygoodwill

    March 21, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I can’t believe it, Debbie! You surprised me with this story. I’m still hoping to get to Ireland, but I must tell you that my mom did indeed kiss the blarney stone. I’m guessing she was in her early 60’s then. (I have the picture my Dad took that day. She died two weeks ago at the age of 85.) Great memories.

    Reply
  17. Victoria

    March 21, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Oh wow Debbie, I didn’t know you were blogging from there! Love all the photo’s…you are a lucky girl!!! Drink a beer (or 2 or 3 or 4…) for me:)

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      We are home now….I know it went by too fast!

      Reply
  18. Nana Diana

    March 21, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Soooo…You chickened out at the last minute, did you? lol Well, at least you are in one piece and got your exercise for the day. Your pictures are just beatuiful, Debbie. Did I ever tell you my oldest daughter almost married the son of the VP of Guinness Beer? He was a darling lad…but not for her. She spent quite a bit of time over there. Have a blessed day- xo Diana

    Reply
  19. Sue

    March 21, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    Oh, that takes me back, I climbed the stairs and kiss the stone. Beautiful country but can be very cold in March.

    Reply
  20. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse

    March 21, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    I chickened as well and did not kiss the stone… But it seems that time has erased in my mind the fact that the stairs were so tricky. Did you try the tunnels underground? You have to crawl to get in!!!
    Thanks for reminding me all this!
    Magali

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      No underground tunnels YIKES!

      Reply
  21. Kris

    March 21, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Debbie,
    It looks so wonderful and exciting. It looks like you had such a great time. The scenery is beautiful there. Thanks for sharing. I wouldn’t kiss the blarney stone either If I did I would be that person that falls off the castle!!!!
    Kris

    Reply
  22. Ann

    March 21, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Oh Debbie what an experience…truly the trip of a lifetime. I loved seeing your pictures…it’s just like in the movies! So pretty and green. When my son was studying abroad in London we took a family vacation to see him. A week I will never forget. You will have these memories for the rest of your life. Glad you came home safely!

    Reply
  23. Peggy

    March 21, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Love your story and the pictures. I know all about climbing to those high up castles! Did a lot of that in Europe. Good thing I was young then as it sure is hard on the knees. Don’t think I’d be able to do the kissing the Blarney Stone either. Keep the stories and pictures coming as I’m enjoying the trip. Peggy

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      Thank you Peggy….I love that everyone is enjoying them. I don’t want to bore you all with our family trip.

      Reply
  24. Kathryn

    March 21, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    What?!?!?! Debbie!!!! I can’t believe you didn’t go for it! Even Jemma did it!!! You are so funny! I don’t remember it being that far of a walk, but I was awfully giddy and excited and it was my birthday!!! I love our pictures and am loving the stories!!!

    Reply
  25. Gail@Purple Hues and Me

    March 21, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    What a wonderful story about your fabulous vacation! Not to worry about not kissing the stone, I can tell from your blogging you already have the gift of gab and from all the wonderful Irish poetry you’re posting you are truly very blessed!

    Reply
  26. keri @ shaken together

    March 21, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    What an awesome adventure!

    Reply
  27. The Polka Dot Closet

    March 21, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I’m to big a germaphobe!! Like you need more gabbing anyway…right!

    Carol

    Reply
  28. Lavender Dreams

    March 21, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    How amazing! I’m loving the beautiful photos and letting my imagination do the rest! Beautiful and magical! Sweet hugs from Florida!

    Reply
  29. Rondell

    March 21, 2013 at 9:12 pm

    So beautiful…love the picture of the castle, would love to see it in person!

    Reply
  30. Sarah

    March 21, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    Great story, Debbie. And those photos of yours are post card perfect! ‘-)

    Reply
  31. Christine

    March 22, 2013 at 1:56 am

    Very interesting and so picturesque. Thanks for sharing, Debbie!…Christine

    Reply
  32. Heather

    March 22, 2013 at 7:16 am

    You got fabulous photos Debbie!!! I remember Blarney Castle and the grounds very fondly. I was too scared to have the guys hold me over so I just watched my hubby do it!! Such a fun experience!!

    Reply
  33. Lori

    March 22, 2013 at 7:22 am

    It was and is gorgeous. I did slide back and faked my kiss. Yuck the germs. But, it was fun.

    Reply
  34. Lisa Palmese

    March 22, 2013 at 11:42 am

    I’m sorry Debbie but I’m lmao I hope that doesn’t offend anyone.
    I would Kiss The stone also Tradition is so Important and We
    need to keep on passing it down to our Next Generation and so on.
    Still lol I Loved this Post and I’m Sharing I wish I was with all of you.
    Many Blessings
    Lisa

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 22, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      It is funny Lisa, and I can totally laugh at myself:)

      Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 22, 2013 at 3:37 pm

      The good news is the rest of my family did it, so I did not break their spirit:) Believe me that would take a lot!!~

      Reply
  35. Debbie

    March 22, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    OK, I have no idea why but this is my favorite post that you have ever written. I can’t believe you chickened out and didn’t kiss it, but then again maybe I can. As I recall, you and I share some phobias, and I would have been unnerved too.

    I’ve never seen photos from Blarney Castle. I used to read about it with my students in a (reading) lesson I made up for St. Patrick’s Day, but I have not seen actual photos.

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 22, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you Debbie:) Just call me chicken little!

      Reply
  36. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage

    March 23, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    The photos were gorgeous Deb! And I had NO idea that is how you did it. I just assumed it was a big rock, and you knelt down and kissed it. Who knew there were aerobatics involved? LOL!

    Reply
  37. Debbie

    March 23, 2013 at 11:53 pm

    Incredibly beautiful pictures, Debbie! Wow, what an experience! I don’t think I would have tried to climb the castle stairs (I can’t do heights, I am from Toronto and have never been up the CN Tower!) so I give you credit for doing it. And kudos to your mom!
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  38. Carol

    March 25, 2013 at 1:10 am

    Great pics, Debbie, and a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t have kissed the Blarney Stone either! So glad you had so much fun!

    Reply
  39. Ellan

    March 18, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    It was my lifelong dream to visit Ireland and at age 66 I finally got to make the trip with my daughter and her family and a couple of my friends. I have had dreams of kissing the Blarney stone and there was no way that I was not going to do it, since I was pretty sure I’d never have another chance. About half way up the stairs I felt my knee pop, but I kept going. I was DOING THIS! Kissing the stone was a breeze for me e compared to that clime! Everyone in our group except one of my girlfriends and my 5 year old grandson kissed the stone. After we got back down the steps and began to check out the beautiful surroundings of the castle, it was clear the the knee pop was NOT something good. So, to make a long story short, I tore my pore old meniscus in my poor old knee, badly, climbing up to kiss the Blarney Stone! But, that’s ok. I will never regret fulfilling my lifelong dream. It was still the highlight of my life!!! And the constant pain in my knee willl never let me forget the experiene. ??

    Reply
    • debbiedoo's

      March 20, 2017 at 6:58 am

      Awww..what a great story though to tell. I am so happy you did it. I don’t have any regrets, because I too had a story to tell. The climb up there was pretty tough too. Ireland is so beautiful and I want to go back again someday. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

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