The castle and gardens, which attract hundreds of thousands annually, are still open for visitors.

His last visit to one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions ended in drama but it was all about hugs and tears of joy yesterday as US tourist David Motte returned to Blarney Castle to say thank you to those who saved his life.

The most famous job in Ireland is vacant and if you feel you have the gift of the gab then you could be the next ’Keeper of the Blarney Stone’.