Cork

Blarney Castle is a historic fortress located in County Cork, Ireland, built nearly 600 years ago in the 15th century by the MacCarthy family. Its most famous feature is the Blarney Stone, a large block of limestone set into the castle’s wall. According to legend, kissing the stone grants the "gift of eloquence," or the ability to speak with charm and persuasiveness. Thousands of visitors from around the world flock to the castle each year to kiss the stone, which is reached by climbing to the top of the castle tower.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. This magical woodland area is home to a variety of ferns and other plant species, creating a serene and tranquil environment.

The Rock Close is an area of natural rock formations and mystical features on the Blarney Estate, often associated with local folklore and legends. According to one popular tale, the Witch’s Stone is linked to an ancient legend involving a local witch who was said to have cast spells over the land. The story goes that the witch attempted to curse the land and its people, but was thwarted by a combination of magic and cleverness. As part of the legend, it is believed that the Witch’s Stone marks a place where the witch was turned to stone as a punishment for her evil deeds.