Blarney Stone Plaza

Shamrock, Texas

TexasRoadside Attraction

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Blarney Castle, just outside of Cork, Ireland, is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend says that if you kiss it, you’ll be blessed with the gift of gab. But you don’t have to go all the way to Ireland to see this famous attraction, you can just travel on Route 66 to find a piece of it at Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas.

How did a piece of Blarney Castle end up in the panhandle of Texas? The fragment was brought to Shamrock in 1959 after it was “accidentally” knocked off of the original. Local leaders persuaded Ireland officials to ship a piece to them in exchange for promotion. Its arrival was met with resistance from some Ireland locals and protection from the Texas Highway Patrol and the Texas National Guard.

The Texas Blarney Stone is encased in a concrete pillar that has been painted Irish green and decorated with a painting of the Cork castle. The roadside attraction was found for many years in Elmore Park but moved to Main St. in 2016 where you can find it in Blarney Stone Plaza, along with a plaque describing the town’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and a fun Welcome to Shamrock sign (complete with a leprechaun).

Text of the on-site sign:

Welcome to Blarney Stone Plaza

Irish folklore says “you will never be at a loss for words” after kissing the Blarney Stone (also known as The Stone of Eloquence). Here in Shamrock, Texas, some of our locals swear their luck changed for the better after kissing this section of the Blarney Castle Stone here at Shamrock’s Blarney Stone Plaza.

How did a section of Ireland’s Blarney Stone end up in Shamrock, Texas?
In the late ’50s, Shamrock local leaders were successful in persuading Ireland into shipping a section of the famous stone to our Irish city. Promises were made (and who knows what else) to promote Ireland and the legend of their famous mystical stone in this part of the world. News leaked that there were certain factions in Ireland that were against any part of the stone leaving its homeland. For that reason, our prized piece of the Blarney Stone arrived in Shamrock in 1959 escorted by guards and an armored truck.

The origin of the stone at Ireland’s Blarney Castle is still a mystery today.Some say it was Jacob’s pillow brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Others say it was brought to Ireland after the crusades. Biblical historians also theorize it could be the stone that gushed water after being struck by Moses, giving it mystical powers.

May the luck of the Irish be always with you & thanks for visiting Shamrock’s Blarney Stone Plaza.

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Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction

Blarney Stone Plaza

4 based on 1 reviews

Address:

210 N Main St, Shamrock, TX 79079

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas

Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction
Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas Route 66 Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is Blarney Stone Plaza located on Route 66?

Blarney Stone Plaza is a small roadside pocket-park off Shamrock’s Historic Route 66 where a real fragment of Ireland’s famous Blarney Stone is set into a green-painted concrete pedestal. The plaza is in downtown Shamrock near the intersection of Main Street and East 2nd Street, a short walk from Route 66 landmarks like the Tower Conoco/U-Drop Inn complex. Some maps still show the stone’s old location, but it has been moved to this plaza off Main.

While you’re in Shamrock, head down the street to find a more photo-friendly but less authentic fake Blarney Stone.

Where can you park?

Parking is easy street parking along Main Street and nearby side streets. The plaza is small, so most people park, hop out for a few minutes, then continue on. Just park fully off the travel lane and watch for local traffic. While in the area, check out more of the best attractions on Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas.

Where to Stay Near Blarney Stone Plaza

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Route 66 hotels in Shamrock, Texas.

Western Motel

The Western Motel is located on Route 66, directly across from the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, one of the most popular roadside attractions in Shamrock, Texas. With a convenient location, spacious rooms, and a 24-hour front desk, you can’t go wrong with this classic motel. They even have pet-friendly rooms for your furry travel companions.

Shamrock Country Inn

The Shamrock Country Inn is a classic roadside motel in a classic Route 66 town. The hotel opened in September 1959 as the Shamrock Ranger Motel. Rooms surround a U-shaped courtyard with plenty of free parking and offer few frills but comfy beds, Wi-Fi, TVs, private bathrooms, coffee machines, and a 24-hour front desk. Before hitting the road stop by the breakfast room for a complimentary breakfast and be sure to get a Texas-shaped waffle.

Blarney Inn

Formerly the 1950s Rambler Motel, the Blarney Inn promises a “a wee bit of Ireland here in Shamrock.” The Shamrock motel provides air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and family rooms.

Attractions Near Blarney Stone Plaza on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Blarney Stone Plaza in Shamrock, Texas

  1. Fun stop in Shamrock! It’s right near the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café so if you’re going to see that stop here too! It’s neat to see a little piece of Ireland brought to Texas!

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