The Lia Fail, or Stone of Destiny, is now known as the Blarney Stone. The stone has had a place in Irish lore since the 12^th century and currently resides in the 15^th century Blarney Castle in County Cork. For approximately 200 years legend has it that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift of gab (or some say BS) for seven years. The stone is one of the most popular sites in Ireland receiving over 400,000 tourist a year. But, is it worth the approximately three to four-hour journey from Dublin? Or, is it a waste of time at best and a potential health hazard at the worst?

Is the Blarney Stone Impressive?

Short answer is no. It’s a piece of limestone built into Blarney Castle’s battlements. The lines are very long in the high season and you’ll be stuck behind a parade of tourists hobbling up a narrow, corroding stairway to get to it. Once there the castle guards keep things moving quickly and it’s tough to even get a good photo given how brief your kiss will be. (Although castle photographers are on hand to snap a keepsake which is then available for purchase). The castle itself is interesting and the grounds are pretty. Most people think that they are more worthwhile than the stone itself.

Is the Blarney Stone Safe?

Short answer is yes. In the past a strong guard would grab tourists by the ankles and lower them, upside down, over the edge of the battlement in order to kiss the stone. Now there are iron rails/guards to hold onto and prevent a plunge to the ground below. But a guide is still there to hold onto you as you contort your way into position for your stony smooch. This is certainly safer than in the past, but a young man has fallen to his death at the castle in the last two years. (But it was in another part of the castle, and not at the stone, which doesn’t make for as dramatic a story).

Is the Blarney Stone Hygienic?

Short answer is no, but you’re unlikely to come down with anything serious. Travel sites like to refer to the Blarney stone as “The World’s Germiest Tourist Attraction”. With over 400,000 pairs of lips a year on it, it is far from clean room sterility. But the castle staff does use antibacterial spray on it throughout the day, just not between every kiss. The residual spray seems to reduce the risk of coming down with something to less than that associated with using a hotel room television remote.

Sir Charles Colthurst, the owner of the castle, has been quoted as saying “to my knowledge no one has ever caught anything from kissing the stone”. But he does have a vested interest and is likely blessed with the gift of gab through repeated kisses. There have been rumors that locals have occasionally urinated on the stone to spite the tourist hordes. But this seems to be more of an urban legend than common occurrence. Either way, we can think of several other things that we would rather kiss than the Blarney Stone.

Bottom Line

For some, kissing the stone may be an unforgettable experience. But in our opinion, you’re better off visiting the quaint towns, bustling cities, friendly pubs and dramatic countryside that Ireland has to offer than wasting your time in line at this overrated attraction. When you book with Purple Light Vacations, we’ll discuss your interest and give you our honest opinion of local sites to help you make the most of your valuable vacation time. Give us a call or email and we’d love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).