Our final stop today might be Dublin but before we get there we have one major stop to make and that is to the Blarney Castle.
We cross the Cork & Kerry Mountains in before arriving at the Blarney Castle to Kiss the Blarney Stone. For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate.Its been said that once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. Today, its a little safer, the Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements, but to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Not sure how strong these powers are but hey will give it ago anyway. You just never know.
After being told our bus was in need of repair we had a little longer in the grounds to explore the Poison Garden, the Caves and the Blarney House.
Back on a new bus and needing to make up time to ensure that people get back in time for plans, trains and buses etc... It was onward and forward.
Final stop was the Guinness Factory so much history around this family and the stout but what I found the most interesting is the Arthur Guinness signed a 9000 year lease on 31 December 1759 at £45 per annum for the unused brewer. Now that's a deal if I ever heard of one.
Finished the tour with a Guinness ok a Coke and then it was time to bid farewell to my Paddy Wagon friends.
