The second day of actual touring began in Blarney. At the Blarney Castle, I did lean backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone, therefore receiving the "Gift of the Gab". Irish ruins are sacred and aren't demolished like those in our country. So many beautiful ruins exist throughout the countryside, including these castles. Its just amazing to think of the history of these castles and ruins. After visiting the Blarney Castle, we stopped for a one-hour break on our way to Dublin at a town called Cashel. In this town, at the site of Cashel Rock, is the legendary origin of the emergence of the shamrock as the symbol of Ireland. During a baptism here, St. Patrick plucked a shamrock out of the ground to explain the mystery of the trinity (or something like this-I may be slightly incorrect, but that's what I remember!) Part of these ruins, therefore, include the original St. Patrick's Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century.
This might be able to see because the photo is so small, but the legs in the center are those of the girl who is kissing the Blarney Stone. In order to do so, you have to lay down, hold your hands behind your head to the two bars that are attached to the side, and lean backwards to kiss the stone.
This is a view from the ground looking up at Blarney Castle. Although it may be hard to tell in this small photo, the opening at the top 3rd from the left (almost in the center) is where the Blarney Stone is located. When the photograph is bigger, you can make out the form of a person kissing the stone.
ruins in the Irish countryside
Rock of Cashel
panoramic view from the top of Cashel Rock (looks better when larger)
No comments:
Post a Comment