The term "blarney" was introduced into the English language by Elizabeth 1 of England and is defined as "pleasant talk, intending to deceive without offending".

A block of limestone known as the Blarney Stone is Ireland's lucky charm. Set in a tower of Blarney Castle in County Cork in 1446, the stone is reputed to have magical powers. Legend has it that an old woman cast a spell on a king as a reward for saving her life. Under this spell, if he kissed the stone he'd gain great powers of eloquence. Today people travel from all over the world to kiss the stone and gain the gift of gab.

The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, from the parapet walk you have to lay on your back, lean  your head backwards and downward (holding on to an iron railing)  and kiss the stone upside down.