Offer to buy the Blarney Stone is rejected as the famous tourist attraction is not for sale.
Blarney Castle in County Cork is home to the Blarney Stone. According to legend, the gift of eloquence is bestowed on the person who kisses this famous piece of grey limestone. About 30,000 people annually come from all parts of the world to kiss the stone.
In February 1951 Sir George Colthurst, owner of Blarney Castle, died aged 68. His will stated that trustees should not have power to sell or consent to the sale of the Blarney Stone or to have it removed from the castle.
Sir George Colthurst previously turned down two significant offers for the Blarney Stone. In 1949, he received a proposal from some businessmen to send the stone on a six month tour of the United States. He also turned down an offer to purchase the Blarney Stone for £100,000.
In 1968 another attempt to buy the famous stone and put it on display in America fails. A US chain store millionaire's offer of 1,000,000 dollars is rejected, as no amount of money can buy the Blarney Stone.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 August 1968. The footage shown here is mute.
