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Blarney, known as 'the
biggest little village in Ireland', is one
 of Ireland's most
picturesque villages. Set in beautiful wooded countryside, just 8km(5
miles) from Cork City, it is an ideal base to visit the many wonderful
sights of Cork and Kerry.
Steeped in history and magical charm, Blarney offers the visitor a
host of wonderful things to do and places to discover. The name
'Blarney' is taken from the Gaelic word: 'Blar' which means open
field. One of the finest things that impresses the first time visitor
is the well preserved village square, with the traditional green area
in the centre. Blarney is one of the few villages in Ireland which has
such a fine amenity, and today it continues to be a focal point of
village life. In Tudor style, the village has developed around the
square which is owned and carefully maintained by Blarney Castle
Estate. The population of Blarney is small, approximately 2,000 and
the people are friendly and welcoming towards the visitor.
Some great sites to visit include the legendary Blarney Stone at
Blarney Castle. For many of the visitors to Blarney, their first
priority is to kiss the famous Blarney Stone high up on the Castle
battlements. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone
will be endowed with the gift of eloquence - 'the gift of the gab' -
as the locals call it. Over 200,000 people visit Blarney Castle each
year. The Castle is situated in over a thousand acres of magnificent
woodland, making it the ideal place to take walks to enjoy the clean
fresh environment of Blarney. |
