Blarney Castle has been named one of the world’s luckiest destinations, securing eighth place in a new ranking based on online interest in fortune, wishes and traditions associated with good luck.
The historic Cork landmark received a luck score of 7.61 out of 10 in research carried out by Casino Khajana, which examined online discussions and interest surrounding destinations with links to luck and prosperity.
Researchers identified 319 TripAdvisor reviews mentioning luck in connection with Blarney Castle, while the attraction receives an estimated 28,400 Google searches each month. More than 190,000 Instagram hashtags were also associated with the castle.
The medieval fortress attracts around 400,000 visitors annually, many of whom make the journey to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. According to tradition, those who kiss the stone are granted good fortune and “the gift of gab” — the ability to speak with confidence, charm and eloquence.
The castle's history stretches back centuries. An early stone structure is believed to have been built in 1210, while the castle in its present form dates from 1446. The Blarney Stone was also incorporated into one of its towers around that time.
Visitors wishing to complete the tradition must climb to the top of the castle before carefully leaning backwards over the parapet to reach the stone.
The custom has become so closely associated with the castle that “blarney” entered common usage as a term for clever or flattering talk, particularly when delivered with humour and wit.
Blarney Castle was one of several famous landmarks to feature prominently in the international ranking.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, claimed the top position, followed by Rome's Trevi Fountain in second place and Charles Bridge in Prague, Czechia, in third.
Stonehenge in the UK ranked seventh, placing it directly ahead of Blarney Castle.
Casino Khajana said the destinations were assessed according to the amount of online discussion surrounding themes including “luck, fortune, prosperity, wishes and related traditions.”
The ranking places the Cork attraction alongside some of the world's most renowned sites associated with good fortune, highlighting the enduring appeal of the centuries-old tradition surrounding the Blarney Stone.
