Blarney Poison Gardens

While the Blarney Castle often steals the limelight as one of Ireland's top sights, there's a hidden gem nearby that often gets overlooked for those who prioritize kissing the famous Blarney stone. 

Directly beside the castle sits a small garden, but don't let the size fool you. At the entrance stands an ominous black sign with a with bearing the warning: "Poison Garden. Do not touch, smell or eat any plant! Children must be accompanied at all times".  The Poison Garden harbours a wide range of deadly plants that exist both in nature and in one's own garden. Next to each plant you pass is an informational placard detailing the uses of the plant and their toxic properties. The garden serves as a reminder of the duality in nature - these lethal plants are both deadly and useful for human purposes.

We enjoyed strolling through the bewitching garden, taking note of all of the interesting specimens, such as the Poison Hemlock and the Common Rue. Some of these botanical villains are encased in steel cages to prevent them from being touched or eaten. It was remarkable to see many plants, such as rhubarb, in the garden (as their leaves are toxic). 

A stroll through this tiny yet lethal garden is a must when you are visiting the Blarney Castle. Be sure to allocate some extra time to explore the nearby 1000-acre gardens to discover the many other horticultural delights.