What is the significance of the Blarney Stone? (Don't kiss it.)?

Question

My relatives in Ireland don't know why it's significant and they told me not to kiss it if I go there because the locals take leaks on it.

Could it be just something to lure tourists to the area.

Answer 1

A stone in the wall of Blarney Castle in Ireland. According to an Irish legend, those who kiss the Blarney Stone receive a gift of eloquence that enables them to obtain, through persuasion, anything they want.

The stone, which is supposed by some to be half of the original Stone of Scone, was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.

The proprietors of Blarney Castle list several alternative explanations for the origins of the Stone and its supposed powers, all of which suppose that the Stone had previously been in Ireland but was then taken to Scotland and returned to Ireland in 1314.[1] The stories they list include:

the Stone was the stone that Jacob used as a pillow, and was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah

the Stone was the pillow used by St. Columba of Iona on his deathbed

the Stone was the Stone of Ezel, which David hid behind on Jonathan's advice, while fleeing from King Saul, and may have been brought back to Ireland during the Crusades

the Stone was the rock that Moses struck with his staff to produce water for the Israelites, during their flight from Egypt

in Ireland, the Stone was known as the Lia Fáil or "Stone of Destiny", part of the king's throne, with mysterious powers

the stone's powers were revealed to the McCarthys by a witch who had been saved from drowning

Answer 2

Basement Bob have definitely kissed the Stone - including the leaks that come with it!