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Visit the Famous Blarney Castle

One of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions is the world-famous Blarney Stone, found at Blarney Castle in County Cork. Visitors to the country can rent a car at Dublin Airport or in other major cities then head for the south of Ireland and the Blarney Estate to take part in the world famous tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone.

Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest clan leaders, Cormac McCarthy, the castle welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The Blarney stone, also known as the Stone of Eloquence, was found at the top of the castle tower. Legend has it that those who kiss it will never again be at loss for words, or as the Irish say, people will be left with “the gift of the gab.” Historical personages, famous entertainers and international dignitaries from Sir Walter Scott to a number of American ex-Presidents have participated in this tradition, which has been carried out for over 200 years.

Located just 200 yards from Blarney Castle is Blarney House, built in 1874 and overlooking Blarney Lake. One of the most elegant of Ireland’s Great Houses, it is now a family home after being tastefully restored to its original glory. Fine collections of early furniture, works of art, tapestries and family portraits are displayed here. The Blarney House gardens include well maintained lawns and flowerbeds that descend toward the lake and offer a pleasing backdrop for the residence. A herd of cattle are kept within the gardens perimeter and live peacefully beneath the ancient lime, beech, oak and knotted walnut trees.

Tours of the house and gardens are offered during the summer season, with Blarney Estate also offering numerous woodland walks around the grounds of the park. The River Martin winds through the estate grounds, which are home to a vibrant collection of trees and shrubs including copper beech, ornamental pear, southern beech, evergreen oaks and nothofagus.

In case you’re wondering what nothofagus is, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothofagus.

Ho…Ho…Ho….

It’s that time of year again. I don’t blame anyone who is trying to stay out of the malls, although I think it’s good to patronize local merchants and craft fairs. I’m also a believer in giving a donation in someone’s name to a worthwhile cause.

Typically, I write about books here and a well-chosen book can be one of the most personal of gifts. Giving a book can say: “I know what you like, what ideas you appreciate, where you like to go in your imagination.” While you may not know what the person has not yet read, selecting a book they have read and loved sends the same message, maybe even a little stronger.

Some of my favorite books for giving are ones by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coehlo. The best known is The Alchemist.  It’s a sort of parable - simple, spiritual, beautiful. I’m also fond of The Witch of Portobello: A Novel (P.S.). It you’re not familiar with Coehlo, be aware that his work isn’t magic realism like that of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, whose Love in the Time of Cholera is another gift idea.  If you prefer to give a recently published book, consider this long-awaited American novel, A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore. She’s an unusual writer with a great many fans.

Calendars also make good gifts, and there are more choices than ever, especially for travelers and would-be expats. For example, there’s 365 Days in Italy Calendar 2010 (Picture-A-Day Wall Calendars) as well as Mexico - 2010 National Geographic Wall Calendar and Colors of Guatemala 2010 Calendar. These are just a few.

Thank you for subscribing to our Updates and for visiting our pages. Happy holidays to all. Be well, be safe and may 2010 be a better year for all!