The Blarney Stone is one of Ireland's most famous landmarks. It is a block of limestone built into the walls of Blarney Castle, near the town of Cork. Many people believe that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will be given the gift of the gab, which is the ability to speak well.
The tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone goes back hundreds of years. People from all over the world travel to Ireland to visit Blarney Castle and take part in this special ritual. To kiss the stone, visitors must lean backward over the edge of the castle's tower. It might seem a little scary, but don’t worry—there are metal rails to hold onto, and someone is there to help!
Legend has it that the Blarney Stone has magical powers. The word "blarney" has come to mean clever or flattering talk, often used to persuade someone. The origin of the stone's magic is unclear, but one popular story says that a witch blessed the stone after being saved from drowning by the king.
Today, the Blarney Stone is a popular tourist attraction. People come to kiss the stone and take pictures of the beautiful castle and gardens. Whether or not you believe in the magic, kissing the Blarney Stone is a fun experience and a great way to enjoy a piece of Irish culture.
Vocabulary
Landmark - A famous building or place that is easily recognized.
Synonyms: Monument, Icon
Example Sentences:
The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
Blarney Castle is an important landmark in Ireland.
Question: What is a famous landmark in your country?
Gift of the Gab - The ability to speak easily and persuasively.
Synonyms: Eloquence, Articulation
Example Sentences:
Many people kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the gift of the gab.
The salesman closed many deals because he had the gift of the gab.
Question: Do you know anyone with the gift of the gab?
Ritual - A ceremony or action performed in a customary way.
Synonyms: Tradition, Custom
Example Sentences:
Kissing the Blarney Stone is a popular ritual in Ireland.
Lighting candles on a birthday cake is a common ritual.
Question: What rituals do you have in your culture?
Legend - A traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not proven.
Synonyms: Myth, Tale
Example Sentences:
There is a legend about a giant who lived in these mountains.
The legend of King Arthur is famous in England.
Question: What legends do you know from your country?
Tourist - A person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure.
Synonyms: Visitor, Sightseer
Example Sentences:
Many tourists visit the Blarney Stone each year.
The city is full of tourists in the summer.
Question: What places do tourists visit in your country?
Grammar Focus
Present Perfect Tense
Example Sentences:
People have visited the Blarney Stone for hundreds of years.
Many tourists have kissed the stone to gain the gift of the gab.
The legend has been passed down through generations.
Questions:
Have you ever visited a famous landmark?
Have you ever heard a legend from another country?
Discussion Questions
Have you ever visited a famous landmark? What was it like?
Would you like to kiss the Blarney Stone? Why or why not?
Do you believe in the magic of the Blarney Stone?
What is a popular legend from your country?
How do you feel about tourist attractions like the Blarney Stone?
Have you ever taken part in a ritual or tradition when traveling?
What are some famous tourist spots in your country?
Do you think visiting landmarks is important when traveling?
Do you think the gift of the gab is a useful skill to have?
Have you ever visited a castle? What was your experience?
What are some other famous landmarks you would like to visit?
How do you feel about following traditions that are not from your own culture?