A rail service opened from Cork to the very gates of the Castle on August 8th, 1887 – almost 2,000 people travelled to Blarney the following Sunday.

It wasn’t quick – passengers were advised not to pick blackberries while the train was in motion – but it made the Castle even more popular.

It was well used by American visitors. In December of that year, the boxing legend John L Sullivan, at that time the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, travelled from Cork to kiss the Stone. Sullivan is still regarded as the most articulate heavyweight champion, certainly until Mohammed Ali.

Of course, Ali’s great great-grandfather grew up just around the corner from Blarney – but that’s another story.

Blarney Castle

The home of the Blarney stone