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Blarney Castle : September 15th, 2011

Even disregarding the famous stone, Blarney Castle is still worth a visit. It stands in a commanding, dominant position on a rock. It’s set in extensive gardens, which includes ‘Rock Close’, a trail which leads through surreally distorted rocks. Another feature is the ‘Poison Garden’, which is exactly what the name implies. The plants are all poisonous normally, although many can be used, in small quantities, for medicinal purposes.

There’s also a cave under the castle, from which tunnels are said to lead to Cork, and even into Kerry. But, there are many who say that’s just a lot of blarney.

Outside the castle grounds is the Blarney Woolen Mill, whose quality products, as well as those of other manufacturers are on sale at a multi-floor store that’s much bigger than the mill itself. It’s not just woolen products that are on sale here, either.

I never was a great fan of the ‘Irish Theme Pub’, that can be found over most of the world. Sure, they serve Guinness, wear green shirts and say ‘faith an’ bejazus!’ a lot, but, apart from that, they’re usually about as Irish as Vladimir Putin.

In Ireland, though, you get the real deal. Close by is a lovely old pub called Christy’s, which is a good place to stop by for a lunchtime sandwich. Their BLT is one of the best I ever tasted, but their ham and mustard was a little heavy on the mustard. And, of course, a small Murphy’s!

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