And for the first time since March 13, the Blarney Stone was kissed - a hugely important moment for anyone looking to get the gift of the gab. Petra15/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The coronavirus halted the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone for the first time in almost 600 years. Ireland was one of the first European countries to enact strict lockdown provisions after the pandemic took root in Italy. The coronavirus laid siege to almost all aspects of everyday life in Ireland but perhaps the most symbolic in Ireland was the halting of the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, for the first time in almost 600 years. Other measures include limiting the number of people coming on-site, while the person holding someone kissing the stone will be wearing a protective face shield and gloves.

Source: Stuff June 30, 2020 20:37 UTC