BLARNEY CASTLE has scooped the most expensive slot on a new Cork version of the popular boardgame Monopoly, which has hit the shelves.
The historic castle and its famous stone can be snapped up for a mere 400 monopoly dollars, if you have the cash.
The Shandon bells rang out yesterday morning to mark the launch of the Rebel version of the much loved boardgame, which went on sale at 9am. Some of the iconic buildings featured in the game include historic St Anne’s in Shandon, which is the second most expensive building, commanding an asking price of $350 and Cobh Heritage Centre which is selling for $320.
Among the other landmarks that have secured a square are The English Market, Blackrock Castle, City Hall and University College Cork (UCC).
Historic buildings aside, a variety of media organisations have managed to secured their presence on the board, including the Irish Examiner and 96FM, while retail outlets including Topshop and Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre are also featured.
Lord Mayor of Cork John Buttimer said the boardgame was a good way to promote the city.
“It’s a way just to celebrate what we have both locally, nationally and internationally. I think it’s something people would like to have at Christmas. We take great pride in our city and our county and I think it’s nice to see it reflected in a game with the reputation of Monopoly.”
But local historian Diarmuid O’Driscoll said he doesn’t really like it. “It’s emblazoned with commercial logos for local radio stations, newspapers, transport companies, shopping centres, tourist attractions – it is not like Monopoly. It has no sort of nostalgic feel about it. It seems that the different locations were sold for commercial logos to be emblazoned on them,” he said.