Today I got to kiss the Blarney Stone. It is a famous stone residing at the top of Blarney Castle revolving around legends that claim good tidings to those who kiss it. One of the legends involves a troubled man by the name of Cormac who was advised by the Queen of the Fairies to kiss the stone upon which she had wept, grieving the death of the man she had loved. She told Cormac that if he kissed the stone, his troubles would vanish. And so they did. Cormac then took the stone to the top of Blarney Castle and placed it where it remains to this day.
The interesting thing about these castles is that they are built completely with safety of the kingdom or village in mind. The staircases are so narrow you have to walk up them in single file, as it is easier to keep away enemies if they can only advance one at a time.
The location chosen for the castle is a spot with a higher elevation so as to see the surrounding area better.
Of course the castle was built for entertaining guests as well, the fireplace in the kitchen was a good 8 feet tall by 4 or 5 feet wide, fit to roast even the biggest beast. But perhaps the best part about Blarney Castle is the Blarney stone. Revolved around rumors of gab and good tidings, people travel across the globe to place their lips on this stone. We had the fortune of having Dana Neary along with us on this trip to one of Ireland’s greatest historic landmarks. Below, Dana shows just how big that fireplace is!
As these castles were so notorious for keeping out their enemies, I too found myself in the stockades. Although I escaped in a most hasty matter (once the guards weren’t looking).
Aside from visiting the Blarney Castle, and getting grand joy out of the fact that our car GPS system has an Irish accent, as well as muttering, “those crazy Americans,” every time we see someone being unsafe on the road, we visited the International Sheepdog Trial held in Blessington Ireland. Below, you’ll see the trial field at the International. The drive was so big, I was unable to get the entire course in one picture.
I even got a new crook today! I will use it at the Worlds in just a mere week!
It was also the first time we saw several other USA world trial team members and supporters as well. It makes traveling to a foreign country seem tremendously less foreign when you see people that you know.
I am excited to watch more of the international tomorrow and cheer on our new friends Eamonn and Dean, as well as see our old friends.