An Irish Tradition Supporting Savannah Charities
Home to the South’s largest St. Patrick’s Day event, Savannah, Georgia is a melting pot of both Emerald Isle descendants and Irish culture enthusiasts. To capture the spirit of this vibrant community, a piece of true Irish history was transported straight from Ireland’s verdant hills to Savannah’s sunny shores: a 600-pound stone from the Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland.
Legend has it, those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed the gift of eloquence, or in more common terms, “the gift of gab.” Each year, thousands of travelers journey to Ireland to walk up the stairs of Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone while leaning backwards off the ledge of the castle. Luckily, Savannah residents and visitors can easily visit the Savannah Blarney Stone year round at its permanent home at Cohen’s Retreat or annually during Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and a few other special events.
When you visit the Savannah Blarney Stone, not only will you be able to kiss the stone and have your photo taken, but you will also be given the gift of good fortune. Every kiss bestowed upon the Savannah Blarney Stone directly supports local charities that are doing tremendous work in the Savannah community.
The Savannah Blarney Stone’s Journey to America
In 2009, Dr. Sidney Smith and his wife Colleen conceptualized the idea of having a piece of the original Blarney Stone brought from Ireland to Savannah, Georgia. Almost a decade later, the couple was surprised with an unannounced delivery of the 600-pound stone at their doorstep.
