Well today marked our first trip out of the City to explore Ireland. We visited the Blarney Castle and Rock Close in Blarney Ireland and it was truly amazing. It all started with today being a wonderful weather day - NO RAIN.
We left for Blarney around 11:20 and arrived before 12 in the Village of Blarney. From here we entered the gates and were greeted by the Blarney River which would flow by the castle and Rock Close. In about 5 minutes we could see the castle. What a spectacular view of the castle!
As we approached the castle its true size could finally be appreciated. Standing below it, it towered over 80 feet to the top. Check out the pics from the bottom up!
The first stop inside the castle was the Dungeon. We tried to get inside, but there were no lights whatsoever and no windows. It was pitch black about 5 feet from the entrance. Needless to say, we didn't see much of the dungeon from the inside. Next we walked around the side of the castle and got into 2 guard towers outside of the castle. As we continued around to the main entrance, you could see the famous Blarney Stone, 83 feet above us.
We then entered the castle into the Large Ground Room Floor. This part was interesting because it gave us a view of a large Oubliette, which is basically a 15 foot hole in the ground than could only be accessed from above...MEANING: there were trap floor pieces in the room at one point that could be use if intruders or unwanted guests entered. A guard could pull a lever when the intruder stepped on the block and they would fall into the pit with no way out.
After the Oubliette, we entered the Earl's Bedroom. After the bedroom we got our start on the spiral staircase. Let me clear one thing up about these stairs, they are about 1 foot wide and extremely steep. Doorways as well were extremely skinny and not made for tall people. We were constantly squeezing everywhere we were going.
We entered a small guard space and the Great Hall next. From here more steps into a large Family room and Young ladies room. More stairs took us up into the Priests room, Chapel, and large Banquet hall. The final stop before the top of the castle was the kitchen. The kitchen was built in an area on top so that if something were to catch fire it would not destroy the entire castle and because ventilation was much better.
Finally, we reached the top of the castle and were next to the Blarney Stone. We hoped to get pics of us and the stone, but the only way to get those pictures is to pay the photographer on the top 10 euros. Needless to say we each laid on our backs, leaned over the edge of the castle and kissed the stone. Were supposed to be eloquent now...I guess we'll see.
On the way down we stopped in one final room, the Murder Room. This room was extremely small, but hidden above the Ground Floor Room. Guards would hide in here and if any unwanted guest came into the castle, or incase of an attack, guards could pour hot liquids or shoot arrows at those below with complete protection. Kind of a good idea for protection.
After the castle we headed into the caves beneath the castle. The only cave we could find was the Badger Cave. The name came from some guy named Badger, i think, who stole stuff from the castle and escaped through the cave. Apparently, he lost his gold in the cave and there are 3 passageways to nearby towns somewhere in the cave. We found a few people with flashlights and followed them in. All we found was a dead end, muddy shoes, and a wet head.
From the caves we walked into the Rock Close. This place was pretty cool. First we found the Wishing Steps. The story says that a witch steals firewood for her kitchen in the forest and in turn must grant people a wish. The catch is, to be granted a wish, one has to walk down the stairs and back up with their eyes closed. Well this isn't easy. First off, there are 28 steps. Two they are wet because they are under a small waterfall. Finally, there are no handrails or anything. I tried it out and made it, but it took more forever to find each of the steps and Reline had to tell me when i was going to walk off the edge so i didnt fall into the water. I dont know if that counts for a wish or not, but i tried.
Next we saw the Witches Kitchen, which is basically a rock structure with a small inside area that is set up to look like an old fashioned kitchen. Apparently, early Irish settlers used these types of rock formations for cooking and similar tasks. After the kitchen came the Head Druids Cave which was just a small cave like area. The Witches Stone was next. This was pretty sweet because there is an actual stone that looks like a witches face (See the pic) and nose. The Fairy Glade was next and just a small area with this crazy looking tree that is supposed to look really pretty in the summertime. We stumbled upon the Druids Circle and Sacrificial Alter next. The Druids Circle was used for ceremonies and stuff like that and it is said that when standing in the middle, no evil can harm you. Behind the circle in the Alter. This alter is situated so that the first rays of the sun strike the alter at the appointed time for sacrifice.
The Rock Close overall was a pretty sweet place. It was kinda creepy and i wouldn't want to be in there at night. It was very pretty and lush inside with the Blarney River flowing throughout.
Well, thats all for Blarney...we may head to Cobh tomorrow to check out the old shipping port where the Titanic made its last port and the first immigrant to ever pass through Ellis Island left from. Check for an update Sunday!
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