For 600 years, people have bent over a castle wall to kiss a mythical stone in Ireland. The coronavirus outbreak is putting a stop to the popular tradition.

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For 600 years, people have bent over a castle wall to kiss a mythical stone in Ireland. The coronavirus outbreak is putting a stop to the popular tradition.
Tourist kissing the Blarney Stone - Ireland
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To contain the spread of the coronavirus, Ireland has canceled parades and limited public gatherings through the end of March. Following suit, Blarney Castle, a popular tourist destination near Cork, has barred visitors from partaking in a cherished, 600-year-old tradition: kissing a mythical limestone block while upside down.

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, Ireland has canceled parades and limited public gatherings through the end of March. Following suit, Blarney Castle, a popular tourist destination near Cork, has barred visitors from partaking in a cherished, 600-year-old tradition: kissing a mythical limestone block while upside down.

Source: AP News

"This is a necessary step in the current climate, and for the first time in its history, no one will be kissing the Blarney Stone," Charles Colthurst, owner of Blarney Castle, told the Associated Press.

"This is a necessary step in the current climate, and for the first time in its history, no one will be kissing the Blarney Stone," Charles Colthurst, owner of Blarney Castle, told the Associated Press.

Source: AP News

For the first time in our history the kissing of the Blarney Stone has been postponed until further notice.

The castle & gardens are still open and we would like to reassure all our visitors that we are doing everything possible to provide a safe experience.

— Blarney Castle & Gardens (@Blarney_Castle) March 13, 2020
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As of March 16, Ireland has 223 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Across Europe, an estimated 100 million people are in lockdown as countries impose travel bans, close down schools, and restrict large meetups.

As of March 16, Ireland has 223 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Across Europe, an estimated 100 million people are in lockdown as countries impose travel bans, close down schools, and restrict large meetups.

Source: Government of Ireland, Business Insider

In 2018, Blarney Castle was the 10th most visited destination in Ireland, drawing more than 460,000 visitors.

In 2018, Blarney Castle was the 10th most visited destination in Ireland, drawing more than 460,000 visitors.

Source: Failte Ireland

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The Blarney Stone is the castle's best-known attraction.

The Blarney Stone is the castle's best-known attraction.

Source: Blarney Castle

The stone, whose origins are debated, is believed to endow those that kiss it with the gift of eloquence, or "blarney." It was installed in the castle in 1446.

The stone, whose origins are debated, is believed to endow those that kiss it with the gift of eloquence, or "blarney." It was installed in the castle in 1446.

Source: Blarney Castle, Cambridge Dictionary

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The wait to kiss the stone can reach up to two hours.

The wait to kiss the stone can reach up to two hours.

Source: Tales of a Backpacker

Originally, visitors wishing to kiss the Blarney Stone had to be suspended over the castle's battlements by the ankles.

Originally, visitors wishing to kiss the Blarney Stone had to be suspended over the castle's battlements by the ankles.

Source: Blarney Castle, AP News, The Guardian

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In time, adjustments were made so that visitors could simply lean backward while holding onto iron rails.

In time, adjustments were made so that visitors could simply lean backward while holding onto iron rails.

Source: AP News, The Guardian

Famous personalities who have kissed the stone reportedly include Winston Churchill and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Famous personalities who have kissed the stone reportedly include Winston Churchill and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Source: Irish Times

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