The stone is hardly the most interesting thing about Blarney Castle.

Here are some of our favorite facts and secrets about the Irish landmark.

But that’s not the only thing interesting about this enchanting site.

Secrets of Blarney Castle

Credit: Steve Allen

As in: “It took all my Irish blarney to keep us out of court.”

Did it come from the same rock as Stonehenge?

Was it related to the Stone of Scone, the coronation stone used by early Scottish and English kings?

Cormac McCarthy was the first person to kiss the stone

No, not the famous author.

And the tradition has continued ever since.

After multiple failed attempts, Elizabeth I dismissed the fiasco as ‘blarney,’ and the name stuck.

It’s the only way.

Theres more to see beyond the castle

What Irish estate would be complete without beautiful gardens?

Stop by the Bog Garden, where a trio of 600-year-old yew trees sits alongside a gently trickling waterfall.