Blarney Castle, a 15 th century stronghold near Cork, Ireland , draws over 400,000 visitors a year who line up for hours to buss the Blarney Stone. But you can count me out. I think I know what that stone is really all about and it’s not the gift of gab. The good news is that there is plenty to do at the castle, on the grounds, and in charming Blarney Village, just outside the castle gates.

You’ve no doubt heard of the Blarney Stone, the enchanted stone that supposedly rewards a kiss with supercharged verbal skills to flatter and cajole. Millions of people have laid lips on it including Mick Jagger, Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill. Stan Laurel, the quieter member of the vaudeville duo of Laurel and Hardy gave it a smack, but Hardy waited patiently below, perhaps put off by the 1

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