An Irish tourist hotspot ranks among the world’s most underrated attractions, according to a new study.
The National Stud and Gardens in Co Kildare is the second most underrated tourist hotspot in the world, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Research by flight booking site Wingie analysed TripAdvisor reviews for the top 50 tourist experiences in every country. The ranking was based on the number of keywords indicating whether an experience was perceived as underrated relative to the total number of reviews. A list of 40 keywords and phrases was tracked. An overall percentage score was then calculated to determine the ranking.
READ MORE: Constitution Hill could return to the track at Punchestown for clash with State Man
The Irish National Stud and Gardens received 2,713 compliments from pleasantly surprised visitors compared to 1,857 reviews, an average of one and a half per visitor. Almost two-fifths (39%) of visitors called the area ‘beautiful,’ frequently describing their experience as ‘interesting’ (358), ‘excellent’ (217), ‘friendly’ (209), and ‘amazing’ (205).
It is home to a number of horse racing legends, including National Hunt greats Faugheen, Hurricane Fly and Beef Or Salmon, as well as numerous stallions such as Phoenix Of Spain, Lucky Vega and Invincible Spirit.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Faugheen became a fan favourite during his racing career, winning 11 Grade Ones, including the 2015 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with Hurricane Fly winning two Champion Hurdles and holding the world record for the most Grade 1 (or Group 1) races (22) until overtaken by Australian horse Winx in 2019.
Beef Or Salmon’s wins over fences include three Lexus Chases, three Hennessy Gold Cups and the 2004 Punchestown Gold Cup.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Of Spain was trained in England by Charles Hill and won the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2019, with Lucky Vega winning the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes for trainer Jessica Harrington in 2020. Invincible Spirit won seven of his 17 starts, including a number of Group successes over six furlongs.
The National Stud and Gardens comes behind Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, Montego Bay, Jamaica, which has been crowned the most underrated tourist spot in the world after receiving the highest proportion of underrated mentions compared to the number of reviews of any other landmark worldwide.
Of 357 reviews, there were 712 underrated keywords or approximately two compliments per review. The eco-tourism tropical retreat, perched 2,000 feet above sea level, was called ‘beautiful’ by over two-fifths (45%), with other top mentions including ‘amazing,’ ‘breathtaking,’ and a ‘must see.’ According to its profile, it has a perfect five-star rating and ranks top among all things to do in Montego Bay.
Al Noor Island, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the country’s most underrated tourist attraction, ranks third globally. There were 618 related comments compared to 432 reviews, a ratio of over one compliment to every review. The lagoon island was commonly labeled ‘amazing’ (151) and ‘beautiful’ (123), and staff members were often praised for being ‘friendly’ (106).
Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Canada, is the nation’s most underrated tourist spot, ranking fourth worldwide. It received an underrated score of 142%, based on 2,605 complimentary mentions compared to 1,824 reviews. Appearing in hundreds of comments were the words ‘beautiful’ (679), ‘amazing’ (333), ‘breathtaking’ (244), ‘spectacular’ (252), and ‘must see’ (136).
Stone Hall Castle, Regina, Canada, is the country’s second most underrated tourist spot and fifth in the world. It received an underrated score of 140%, based on 1,522 related mentions compared to 1,082 reviews. Under a third (29%) of visitors called the castle ‘amazing’ (317) and ‘beautiful’ (174), with others referring to the experience as ‘interesting’ (202), a ‘must see’ (141), ‘authentic’ (72).
Stetson Mansion, Florida, United States, is the country’s most underrated tourist hotspot, ranking sixth globally, with an underrated percentage of 139%, based on 8,290 positive comments compared to 5,974 reviews. Over 1,000 comments referred to it as ‘amazing’ and ‘beautiful.’ Hundreds of reviewers called the Victorian mansion ‘spectacular’ (880) and a ‘must-see’ (867). Almost 800 commenters said they ‘loved it’ (797), and the experience was described as ‘interesting’ over 500 times.
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s estate in Memphis, Tennessee, is the United States’ most overrated landmark, ranking seventh in the world. Over a third (38.1%) of guests left underwhelmed, based on estimates. Over 1,000 comments referred to its price as ‘not worth it’ and ‘expensive’ and remarked there was ‘not much to see’ and it was ‘disappointing.’
Kiambethu Tea Farm, Kenya, ranks seventh, with an underrated percentage of 138%.
Newcastle Memorial Walk, Australia, is the most underrated tourist attraction in the country, ranking eighth worldwide. Its top description was ‘great view,’ mentioned 652 times. Other top associations were ‘beautiful’ (486), ‘amazing’ (298), ‘spectacular’ (244), and ‘must do’ (176).
Skypoint Climb, Australia, ranks second nationwide and ninth worldwide, with an underrated percentage of 134%.
On the other hand, Sovereign Hill is Australia’s most unimpressive tourist attraction, placing eighth globally. The open-air Gold Rush museum received 1,442 disappointed comments, a 37.7% score against 3,823 reviews. Users slated the prices as too expensive over 500 times.
The Rooms, St. John’s, Canada, places tenth worldwide, receiving a score of 133%, or 1.3 complimentary words for every review.
Nihan Çolak Erol, COO of WEG, commented on the findings: “Tourists use sites like TripAdvisor to find out which attractions are worth it. Visitors want to feel their ticket was good value for money, especially during the cost-of-living crisis when holidays become less affordable. By studying traveler sentiment, we can reveal which experiences visitors raved most about. The key to creating a good experience is ensuring that it exceeds expectations. Visitors should understand the value and uniqueness of each experience, so they leave feeling their money was well spent”.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.