Eight kilometres north of the city of Cork you will find Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. This stone is traditionally believed to give whoever kisses it the gift of eloquent speech. Built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, Blarney Castle has a rich history. It is believed that a past king of Munster sent 4,000 men to help Robert the Bruce win the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His reward was said to be half of the Stone of Scone, which was renamed the Blarney Stone.