Built into the tower of Ireland’s Blarney Castle is a block of limestone that has been surrounded by myth and legend for hundreds of years. Known simply as the Blarney Stone, it is said to give visitors “the gift of gab”—or great skill in speaking or persuading—but only if they kiss it.
Kissing the Blarney Stone is a tradition that can be traced back more than 200 years. Where exactly the stone came from remains uncertain. However, a number of stories have attempted to explain its origins. __1__ One morning, while McCarthy was on his way to court to defend himself in a lawsuit, the goddess Cliodhna instructed him to kiss the stone. In doing so, he was able to plead his case and win. __2__ Another story alleges that the stone was once part of Stonehenge. Still another claims it was brought from Scotland by Robert the Bruce, the famous “King of Scots,” who led Scotland to independence.
__3__ Throughout the centuries, tourists, celebrities, politicians, and even kings and queens have made the journey to Blarney Castle for this purpose. To experience the kiss, visitors must do so upside down while leaning backwards and holding onto an iron railing for safety. __4__ In addition, a special cleanser is also used, which kills 99.9% of any potential germs or viruses. Going to Blarney Castle is definitely a must when one travels to Ireland.
(A) While nobody knows for sure where the Blarney Stone came from, this hasn’t stopped people from planting their lips on the cold stone.
(B) After acquiring “the gift of gab,” McCarthy later incorporated the stone into Blarney Castle.
(C) Though seemingly dangerous, kissing the stone is much safer than in the past, when people were held upside down by their ankles.
(D) One of the earliest tales involves Irish landowner Cormac McCarthy.
