Tourist traps in Ireland? Yes, all countries have them, those “attractions” or “specialties” that are more exaggerated than substantial. Or those attractions that no longer seem so attractive up close. Ireland is no exception. Give them a miss. Or enjoy them with a pinch of salt, the choice is yours. But if you’re traveling to Ireland on a budget, we recommend that you don’t fork here.
Temple Bar “Bohemian Quarter” of Dublin
Despite being among Dublin’s top attractions, the ‘Bohemian Quarter’ is (at least partially) expensive and overrated. Some bars and restaurants as well can be described as tourist traps – Watch out for this hotel ! I never went near the “left bank of Dublin”, perhaps because it is on the right bank of the Liffey. So, check out Temple Bar, even though there are some decent pubs.
Many overpriced souvenir shops …
About 98% of all merchandise in souvenir shops is also available in all other souvenir shops, sometimes even supermarkets or the dreaded discount stores, so it is worth shopping around.
Also, keep in mind that a lot of souvenirs actually originate from third world factories and are outrageously expensive. Check out my list of the best Irish souvenirs and invest wisely.
Because, you know, those lime green Aran sweaters aren’t really authentic, and wearing a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt is wilder than a corn dog.
The Blarney Stone (Blarney Castle)
You pay for the privilege of climbing 120 steps and then being photographed kissing (Irish vernacular for “kissing”) a wall while hanging upside down from the castle tower. All this to obtain the ‘gift of the gab’, as Irish eloquence is often called. Which means you’ll talk a lot about Blarney later.
The Blarney Stone once made it to the top of the world’s most unsanitary tourist attractions …
Dolphin mushrooms
Since 1984, this bottlenose dolphin has behaved decidedly unnaturally and thus has become a godsend to the residents of Dingle. A Daingean , as the city is officially called, has dedicated himself to building a mushroom industry like a duck overboard.
And the most trusted tourists assume that Fungi’s behavior is natural, with sometimes painful consequences: Since 2005, several enthusiastic tourists have been hospitalized after disgruntled (and often nameless) dolphins rammed them at high speed, usually striking with perfect aim below the belt.
The Tower on the Cliffs of Moher
Sir Cornelius O’Brien built his tower right on the Cliffs of Moher to get a better vantage point. Today you can follow in his footsteps, climb a few dozen steps and… see nothing but standing on the ground. You will be a little higher and your bag will surely be two euros lighter. And you will ask yourself “Why?”
Most Irish spas
Acres of mobile homes very close by, small beaches with cold water, tacky diversions and fun fairs, exorbitant prices, children screaming day and night, the taste of a culture that confuses being blind drunk with having a good time. It is better to avoid it. Or rather, we enjoy the season, with bargain prices in very good hotels.
Medieval banquets
Don’t expect more from them than you’d expect in Orlando – the menu is pretty generic and somewhat basic, the setting is more Renaissance than the Middle Ages, and the entertainment is strictly middle of the road. That said, castles are real, like Bunratty to name just one, and it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Avoid if you are on a budget, splash if it tickles you.
