Stone of Eloquence in Cork

You're standing at Blarney Castle, about eight kilometres from the centre of Cork. Look all the way up, to the battlements at the top of the tower. Built into that parapet is probably the most famous stone in Ireland: the Blarney Stone. It's a block of limestone, set into the tower back in 1446. Kiss it, the legend goes, and you'll get the gift of the gab. Great eloquence, or let's be honest, a real talent for flattery.