Blarney & More

A trip to Ireland is not complete unless a visit to the Blarney Castle is on the schedule . . .


Photo by Sassy, Fashions by Asta
Back Row l-r: Stanley, Roscoe, Karl, Charlie, Socks & Opus
Front Row l-r: Emil, Asta, Momo, Charbdis, Scylla, Pinot, Socks, Momo, Sassy & Mrs. Oz.

The gang at the Blarney Castle.

. . . the Blarney Castle was originally a timber hunting lodge built in the 10th century, which was replaced by a stone castle in 1210. The present day construction was completed in 1446 and was in the family of McCarthy until the arrival of Oliver Cromwell in 1646. Fifteen years later King Charles II on the English throne gave the castle back to the McCarthys. The McCarthys were forced to leave the castle after a battle in 1690. The castle was sold to Sir James Jefferyes, Governor of Cork in 1703. The Castle is now owned and managed by the Trustees of the Blarney Castle Estate.


Photo by Karl

Karl holds Ruis as he kisses the Blarney Stone.

Hanging upside-down is the only way to kiss the Blarney Stone. The famous Blarney Stone has been kissed by millions of people. The stone is high up in the battlements of the castle. Going up several long stone spiral staircases up to the top of the castle you will find a line of tourists waiting their turn to kiss the Blarney Stone. While at the top of the castle you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Irish countryside, Blarney House and The Village of Blarney. The stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed to have special powers. The stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn. Queen Elizabeth the first wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy promised loyalty to the Queen without "giving in". Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney".


Photographers Asta & Sassy

Taking a little break in our day of site-seeing we all headed to a local pub to enjoy some refreshments.

Later in the evening we all headed to The Pointe Theatre where Opus and Roscoe would be holding a special performance. This was requested by the Michael Flately of Lord of the Dance. When Mr. Flately heard that the Italians would be in Ireland we wanted them to show their stuff to the dance troupe and the residences of Ireland.


Photographers Opus & Roscoe, & Momo Kitty
l-r: Mrs. Oz, Momo Doggie, Momo Kitty, Asta, Roscoe, Scylla, Charlie, Sassy & Charybdis

Roscoe takes center stage with the his female troupe of Lord of the Dance.

Photo by Opus & Roscoe
l-r: Pinot, Opus, Socks, Roscoe, Karl, Ruis, Stanley & Emil

The male dancers go toe to toe with Rosco during their evening performance.


Opus is ready to strut his stuff with Michael Flately's Lord of the Dance.

Ready to show them how it is done Roscoe is ready to take command the stage.

From the moment Opus and Roscoe took the stage, the lights went down, to the last encore the audience was spellbound by a masterfully orchestrated combination of precision dancing, state of the art lighting and pyrotechnics. The performance witnessed tonight left no soul untouched!

Photo by Opus and Roscoe
l-r: Roscoe, Sassy & Opus
After the magnificant performance by Opus and Roscoe I went back to their dressing room to congratulate them on their A one dancing and left several gifts for them.

Tomorrow's day will also be filled with a full day for Momo Opus & Roscoe, Karl, Emil, & Mrs. Oz, Ruis, Asta, Stanley, Momo & Pinot, Charlie, Socks, Scylla & Charybdis. Stay tuned