How are you supposed to kiss the Blarney Stone?

Kissing the Blarney Stone requires visitors to bend backwards and, holding on to an iron railing for support, kiss the stone while facing upside-down. Doing so is said to grant the kisser the "gift of gab," otherwise known as great skill with words.

According to the Blarney Castle, the system of holding on to supporting rails is a relatively new one. Before the railings were installed, visitors had to be supported by their ankles and hung upside down. The eloquence imparted by kissing the stone is said to focus particularly on the ability to speak in a flattering manner.