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Revamp for Blarney Castle
by Jon Myles
VISITORS heading for Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction can expect an even better experience in the future.
Blarney Castle in Co. Cork is to get a massive revamp in a bid to make it even more attractive to visitors.
New owner Sir Charles Colthurst is drawing-up plans for a major facelift to protect its position as the country’s biggest draw.
Sir Charles inherited the famous castle together with its house and grounds from his late father Sir Richard last March and has been preparing plans to improve the site.
The proposals will see a major revamp of the castle itself as well as the opening of Blarney House and its famous gardens to tourists.
The landmark already attracts more than 300,000 tourists from across the world every year.
Sir Charles has already commissioned specialists to examine the castle, house and gardens.
Proposals include refurbishing the structures of the castle to bring them back to their full medieval glory and ensure an improved experience for visitors to the famous landmark.
The Blarney Stone at the top of the castle traces its history back to antiquity.
The modern legend of the stone dates back to Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century when she complained that the Irish lord of the castle could talk incessantly without actually saying anything.
Since then it has become a magnet for tourist from all over the world who descend on the castle for their chance of kissing the stone and receiving the gift of the gab.
The castle is also said to be worth millions of pounds to the region in tourist revenue through money spent in local hotels, restaurants, shops and bars.
Local business leaders said any improvements would be a major boost for the area and could help offset lost revenue as tourist numbers have fallen following the September 11 attacks, the SARS epidemic and the war in Iraq.
News of the plans comes as Irish tourism officials are finalising the details of a massive promotional campaign to try to win back trade lost over the past 12 months.
The campaign will include newspaper and television advertisements in key markets such as Britain and America as well as a concerted promotional drive.
It will be one of the biggest campaigns ever mounted to try to lure visitors to Ireland.
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