43 .
b. Read the texts again and answer the questions. Write A (for Blarney Castle) or a (for Dunnottar Castle)

Which of the castles:

1 was used to hide sth precious?

2 has a special stone?

3 is associated with a famous film star

4 has something that nobody really understands?

5 stands on a ditt?

d. Find the synonyms:

Text A

• payment (l.9) • endure (l.13) • merit (l.24)

Text B

• situated (l.3) • deserted (l.11) • modern (l.15)

A.

BLARNEY CASTLE

Eight kilometres north of the city of Cork you will

find Blamey Castle, home of the famous Blarney

Stone. This stone is traditionally believed to give

whoever kisses it the gift of eloquent speech. Built

5 in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster,

Blamey Castle has a rich history. It is believed that a

past king of Munster sent 4.000 men to help Robert

the Bruce win the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His

reward was said to be half of the Stone of Scone,

10 which was renamed the Blarney Stone.

Blamney Castle today is a very popular tourist

attraction although most of it is in ruins. Many

features remain, though, like the tower and the

narrow spiral staircases. Visitors who wish to kiss

15 the stone must climb up a very narrow winding

staircase to the top of the battlements, then lie on

their back and lean slightly over the edge of the

tower to reach the stone Visitors can also enjoy a

walk through the beautiful, well-kept grounds,

20 where they will find the Rock Close. This is a

mysterious place with ancient stones and trees that

were used by the druids.

Blamey Castle is a very interesting historical site

and definitely well worth a visit. It is one place you

25 must not miss if you get the chance to go to Southern Ireland.



B.

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE

Scotland is full of costles, each with its own myths and legends. One such

castle is Dunnoltar Costle on Scotlands east coast, 15 miles from the city of

Aberdeen. localed on a huge outcrop of flat rock with sheer diffs on three

sides, it is the perfect place for o fortress, and there has been one here since

5 the 13th century.

Dunnottar hos a long and exciting past. William Wolloce, Mary Queen of Scots, King Charles II and the Marquis of Montrose have all played a part in its rich history. The Scottish Crown Jewels, the "Honours of Scotland", were hidden here in the 17th century so that Oliver Cromwell couldn't destroy them.

10 Dunnotlor used to be one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland. However, the costle was abandoned in the 18th century and a fell into decay until 1925, when Viscountess Cowdroy began repairs. Visitors can see the 14th century keep, which was built by Sir William Keith in 1392 and is still intoct. There are also barracks, lodgings, slables and storehouses.

15 The costle has become a lot more popular in recent years since the site was used os one of the locations for the film "Hamlet" starring Mel Gibson. ir is also popular with birdwatchers because of its location. Whatever the reason for your visit, it will certainly be memorable.