Monacnapa in Cork in County Cork, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Ιire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Stone Story
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
1. Stone Story Marker - First Panel
The term blarney, meaning beguiling but misleading talk, gained currency during the 16th century as the MacCarthy of the day attempted to fend off the demands of Queen Elizabeth I.
Legends about the Stones origin emerged, each as plausible as the next.
It was said to have been the stone used by Jacob as a pillow when he dreamed of a ladder extending up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The stone was brought from the Holy Land after the Crusades.
(Second marker)
Another legend is that it was given to the MacCarthy Chieftain by Robert Bruce in thanks for the support that he offered by sending 5,000 kerns (foot soldiers) to Scotland to help him against Edward II, and that it was a part of the Stone of Scone, on which the Kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
This custom was practised by Irish Chieftains too, and survives today at the coronation of the British monarch, who is crowned on the Stone of Scone.
(Third marker)
A further legend tells us that Cormac McTaidhg Lαidir MacCarthy, the builder of the earliest part of the castle, rescued an old woman from drowning in a lake.
She turned out
this page online
(Fourth marker)
However, the most elaborate and romantic legend concerns the Queen of the Fairies in south Munster, who was the beautiful daughter of a leading druid.
She fell in love with a gallant young chieftain who broke her heart by not returning her love. He was killed in battle and she found his body on a stone on the banks of the river Lee (just south of Blarney). His blood had soaked into the stone. There she grieved, her tears joining his blood in the stone which she continually kissed. This caused her magical powers to be absorbed by the stone itself.
A further version of the legend tells us that Cormac Lαidir MacCarthy, being troubled by some intransigent problem, was advised by the Queen of the Fairies that this stone, on which she had wept, had been built into his castle and that if he kissed it his difficulties would be resolved. And so it was. Cormac therefore had the stone taken to the top of Blarney Castle, where it is to be found today.
Whatever
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
2. Stone Story Marker - Second Panel
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 51° 55.747′ N, 8° 34.259′ W. Marker is in Cork, Munster, in County Cork. It is in Monacnapa. It can be reached from Blarney Castle Estate. The marker is located on the roof of Blarney Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Blarney Castle Estate, Cork, Munster, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Kitchen (here, next to this marker); The Chapel (a few steps from this marker); The Banqueting Hall (a few steps from this marker); Family Room (a few steps from this marker); Outer Defences (a few steps from this marker); The
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
3. Stone Story Marker - Third Panel
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
4. Stone Story Marker - Fourth Panel
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
5. Stone Story Marker
These markers are found on the rooftop parapets of Blarney Castle, on the way to the Blarney Stone photo opportunity.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
6. Stone Story Marker
The legendary Blarney Stone, found alongside the less legendary camera setup and tip jar.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
