The Tourist Trap Rick Steves Called The Worst Place To Visit In Ireland

Ireland is one of the top European travel destinations for tourism. The country's rich history and world-famous culture provide endless options for sightseeing and activities. Even if you have weeks to explore the island nation, your itinerary will likely fill up quickly. But, be warned — not every famous Irish destination is worth the visit, according to travel expert Rick Steves. Known for his insider tips about hidden gems and overhyped tourist traps in Europe, Steves claims that the fabled Blarney Stone is the worst place to visit in the whole of Ireland.

Located high in the 600-year-old Blarney Castle & Gardens in County Cork, the world-famous Blarney Stone is at the center of a notable Irish superstition. According to legend, anyone who kisses the stone — which is positioned in a wall over a precarious drop — is said to receive the "gift of the gab," an Irish phrase meaning the ease of speech for which the population of the Republic is renowned.

Blarney Stone has been a hot spot for tourists for decades, with workers on hand to assist those willing to lean backwards over the drop to kiss the stone. But, Steves is adamant that the attraction isn't worth its salt. Listing it among the "Top 10 European Tourist Traps," on his website, Steves says that the experience itself is eclipsed by the sight of the "cranky" employee tasked with lowering visitors to the stone. He laments the gross fact that by the end of the day, "The stone is slathered with spit and lipstick." Yes, there's a good chance you'll be taking something more than the gift of the gab home with you after kissing the Blarney Stone.

Rick Steves isn't exactly an anomaly when it comes to the belief that Blarney Stone is overrated. According to Tripadvisor reviews, many visitors to Blarney Castle & Gardens refuse to kiss the "slimy-looking" Blarney Stone, while others who felt the pressure to do so had mixed feelings about the experience, and advised taking sanitizer for your lips.

Blarney Stone may sound like an attraction worth skipping, but that doesn't mean you should exclude County Cork from your Hibernian travels. The nearby Cork City, which is just a 20-minute drive from the castle, contains some of Ireland's best attractions like the historic Cork City Gaol, the delightful Franciscan Well Bar and Brewery in a 13th-century former monastery, and the renowned English Market, widely considered one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Plus, Blarney Castle & Gardens has received many positive views from travelers who note its beauty and fascinating history. If you're up for the drive, the Beara Peninsula is undoubtedly one of Ireland's most beautiful regions, and it's located two hours west of Cork City.