BLARNEY CASTLE
MORE THAN A STONE The castle was constructed in the 15th century and is steeped in history and legend. Head up the spiral staircase for a date with the famous stone, then increase your communications skillset the medieval way: press your lips to the Blarney Stone to be imbued with the 'gift of the gab'. Next, reconnoitre the castle’s Fern and Poison Gardens and view the Seven Sisters standing stones. Discover the mystical Rock Close with its ancient druidic sacrificial altar, witch’s kitchen and hermit’s cell, all surrounded by yew trees — spooky stu. Having earned lunch, it’s time to make some decisions. Do you go with takeout, take the picnic route, or enjoy things in a fine-dining setting?
Cork has a well-earned reputation as Ireland’s foodie capital, thanks to high-quality, locally sourced produce and an array of talented chefs. It’s a hub of delicious cuisine and fun festivals with a university town vibrancy — there is even an 18th-century English market hailed for traditional foods and market wares. When it comes to dining, one dish has become an Irish staple and dates to the early 1900s when it was introduced by immigrants. It’s the classic fish and chips. Being on the Atlantic Ocean means fish doesn’t come much fresher than this, and when pulled from the magical Irish waters, this is fish with a dierence. The humble spud? Well, not so humble when it’s an IRISH potato — hence the chips (fries) are simply from another dimension. So where should you savour these promised delights while experiencing all the city of Cork has to oer? First, building up your hunger levels with some essential Cork touring at the iconic Blarney Castle is advisable.
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