If Going to Ireland, Be Sure to Kiss the Blarney Stone

If you’re planning on traveling to Ireland this year, be sure to include a trip to the Blarney Castle. The word blarney came to mean flattery because of the grand tales surrounding the stone’s powers. Its past can be traced back a millennium, during which people have constantly bickered over its ownership. The bluestone block eventually became a symbol of eloquence, persuasiveness, and good luck (though different legends persist as to why). Hoping for those gifts to rub off on them, visitors line up to kiss the stone, which is more challenging than you might realize. Blarney Castle employs staff to help you get into the necessary upside-down position.