Reddit users on r/irishtourism aren’t shy about sharing their opinions when discussing tourist traps across the country.
A trip to Ireland comes with endless attractions and adventures, but with all that to think about. It’s easy to get swept away and even easier to fall feet first into a tourist trap.
This can leave a first-timer to Ireland feeling disappointed, underwhelmed, and out of pocket. To avoid falling victim to a tourist trap on your trip, we took to Reddit to see what ultimately is the worst tourist trap in Ireland.
The Blarney Stone – it’s like kissing a toilet!
The consensus amongst Reddit users crowned the Blarney Stone and Castle as one of the worst tourist traps in Ireland, with wait times up to 2 hours to kiss the famous rock. One Reddit user even went as far as to say it’s like kissing a toilet!
What may have started as a charming novelty with a whimsical tradition has turned visitors off with general admission at a staggering €24 per adult, not including extras like parking if you arrive by car, which is an additional €2, and photos on site will cost €10.
What makes it so popular? – millions of tourists a year will flock to the Blarney Stone
Only 8 miles outside Cork, Blarney is a small village, home to the 600-year-old Blarney Castle, which once belonged to an Irish chieftain, Cormac MacCarthy. It is packed with history and has one of the most interesting stories in Irish folklore and one of the best gardens in Ireland.
Millions of tourists a year will flock to the Blarney Stone to do the famous upside-down kiss; which is considered one of the luckiest places in the world and as the story goes, those who kiss the stone will receive the ‘gift of the gab’.
Now with the help of TikTok and Instagram Reels, more and more visitors to Ireland will have this experience on their Irish bucket list.
Other tourist traps on Reddit – no wonder you won’t find a local insight
Reddit users had plenty of other considerable tourist traps with honourable mentions, including Temple Bar in Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Dark Hedges and Bunratty Castle.
When visiting Dublin for the first time, it’s a rite of passage to go to Temple Bar. Everyone and their granny makes a stop in this area, so it may not come as a surprise that a pint of Guinness here will cost you €11 compared to other pubs in town, which cost closer to €7. It’s no wonder you won’t find a local insight.
Reddit users suggested a detour to other less touristy pubs like Grogans and The Long Hall. You will see both locals and tourists enjoying the atmosphere, not to mention their cheaper and just as good, if not better.
Another trap, according to Reddit, is the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle. Users divided, some saying there are other cliffs worth seeing on the Island and as for Bunratty Castle, users said it had gone into disrepair and was not what it used to be.
Up North, users mentioned The Dark Hedges, in Co. Antrim, as a big tourist trap. The spot had grown in popularity over the years thanks to the HBO show Game of Thrones, but with this also came large crowds of people for such a small area.
One Reddit user even said it’s the worst tourist attraction in Ireland.
How to spot a tourist trap in Ireland? – there are a few key signs
Don’t be alarmed if these attractions mentioned were on your bucket list. There are still plenty of good reasons to go; just be mindful of the additional costs, and it might not always be what you think.
To spot a tourist trap in Ireland, there are a few key signs to watch out for. If you hear it before you see it. Tourist traps around major cities and towns may have loud Irish music or someone handing out leaflets, trying to coax you in.
Another one to watch out for is the overuse of Irish paraphernalia like shamrocks and leprechauns. These are only catering to tourists.
Lastly, if you notice there are no Irish accents, chances are locals are avoiding this place, so proceed with caution.
