10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

I’ve always had ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ on my Travel Bucket List, but I had no idea how terrifying it would be. I thought you walked up to a boulder and gave it a peck. I had no idea you first had to walk up a ton of claustrophobic winding stairs up to the rooftop of a castle. Then you sit down with your back facing the stone, scoot back, lie down, grab two bars for dear life, and then have a panic attack (Oh wait…maybe that’s just me). My kids and husband were not scared at all. In fact, they thought it was really fun. There are bars that prevent you from falling but my brain couldn’t wrap itself around that concept. I was counting down the seconds until it was over since I hate heights. Don’t even get me started on the fact that a million people before me had also kissed that stone. I don’t even like putting my hands on railings, never mind put my lips on it. So, I gave the rock a nice little air kiss. That counts doesn’t it?

But really, I’m glad we did it and I could not imagine having backed out since it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do in Ireland. That said, here are 10 tips for doing Blarney Castle with your kiddos.

EXPECTATIONS

Talk to your kids about what they should expect when kissing the stone. Practice how they will lie back and go over rules with them that will keep them safe. Let them know they can always change their minds if they’re not comfortable and they can watch other people doing it.

STONE FIRST

There’s lots to see on the castle grounds so I would do the stone first before walking around. That way, you will have lots of energy to get up the stairs and, if you’re like me, you can get it over with.

SENSIBLE SHOES

It’s a 15^th century castle so there are lots of uneven stone you’re walking on and tiny curving steps to climb. Flip flops are not a good choice, and neither are shoes with a heel.

AGE MINIMUMS

There were signs that said you needed to be eight years old to kiss the stone, but at dinner we overheard a family next to us telling the waitress their 5-year-old son had kissed the stone that day. I’m not sure how strict they are with the rules but I think they are pretty lenient.

TAKE YOUR OWN PICS

When you kiss the stone your picture is taken. I had my eyes sealed shut throughout the whole thing so I didn’t see anything taking my picture but they handed me a card with a number on it so I guess I just missed it. I would save your money and take your own pictures since they allow it. A video on slow-motion would have been neat to take.

BIG BAGS

The stairs you walk up are narrow and winding with people ahead of you and behind you. While you’re climbing you will be standing still on the steps for most of the time. I saw people struggling with big backpacks and large purses. You may want to carry as little with you as possible.

ENJOY THE GROUNDS

There’s so much to see besides the stone. Explore the gardens, waterfalls, streams, and bridges. Take your time to go into the caves and don’t forget to see the dungeon!

POISON GARDEN

The poison garden was created to educate visitors on the poisonous plants found in the wild and perhaps right in your own backyard. The castle probably used these for medicinal and culinary purposes.

WISHING STAIRS

They say that for hundreds of years, the Blarney Witch took firewood from the estate for her kitchen. In return she grants visitor’s wishes. You need to walk down and back up the steps with your eyes closed and without thinking of anything else besides your wish, and it will come true within the year! The girls tried it but I knew I can’t think of one thing for more than 30 seconds before it disappears into my mom brain.

WITCH’S STONE

They also say the Blarney Witch is imprisoned in this stone and only escapes after nightfall. People leave her money on the stone. Wonder where she exchanges her foreign coins?