People will no longer be allowed to kiss the Blarney Stone in Co Cork due to the coronavirus.
According to Irish mythology, whoever kisses the stone is endowed with the "gift of the gab".
In a tweet, Blarney Castle said: "For the first time in our history the kissing of the Blarney Stone has been postponed until further notice.
"The castle & gardens are still open and we would like to reassure all our visitors that we are doing everything possible to provide a safe experience."
Daily Mirror Associate Editor Kevin Maguire visited the popular tourist hotspot today and kissed the stone.
He told Ray D'Arcy on RTE Radio One today: "I wouldn't kiss a stranger in the street because of the coronavirus scare but I did find myself kissing the stone - they spray it with antiseptic before you do it - but it's there and still kissable."
He said there were no signs about risks over coronavirus and staff who helped him lean back to do the deed seemed a bit embarrassed when he queried it.
Mr Maguire added that the narrow climb on the stone staircase up to the spot put him in close proximity to other people.
He said he had to think twice about kissing the stone and had a "slight apprehension" but added: "Wash your hands, keep calm and carry on. Don't be reckless. Life has to carry on."
The statement from Blarney Castle came in while Mr Maguire was on air and he reacted by saying: "I hope that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe after I just gave it a smacker."
Listen to the interview below.
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