The Blarney Stone

       Five miles from Cork is the busy little town of Blarney and Blarney castle stands on the side of a hill, on the river Au-Martin. The castle is covered with ivy, and surrounded by beautiful grounds shaded with trees. Only a part of the castle is still standing. The rest is in ruins.

       This castle is said to contain a stone that will give to any one who kisses it the gift of words. The Irish poet, Father Prout, has written some verses about it which tell that

There is a stone there,

That whoever kisses.

Oh, he never misses

To grow eloquent.

       The stone is at the top of the tower, but so far down the side of the wall as to discourage all but very venturesome people. The only way to kiss the stone is to hang by the heels from the top of the tower.

       It seems to me that many of the Irish must have kissed the Blarney Stone for they are the readiest, wittiest and most eloquent talkers in the world!

Kissing The Blarney Stone!