Ireland has claimed the top spot as Europe’s Best Travel Destination for the ninth year in a row at the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards. The annual award was given to Ireland over stiff competitors like resurgent tourism in Greece, Italy, and Croatia.
Americans interest in traveling to Ireland initially rose after it lifted all entry COVID restrictions. They were eager to travel across the pond to go to the capital of Dublin along with the country’s stunning countryside.
Ireland was singled out again for the award with travelers keen to explore the rolling green hills and rugged terrain along with its bucolic escapes.
Upon accepting the award, Alison Metcalfe, head of Tourism Ireland’s North America branch, noted that with new nonstop routes from America being added, the incoming passengers and tourism revenue will only rise.
Along with general traveler interest in visiting Ireland, with over 31.5 million citizens claiming ancestry, the Irish heritage is strong in the U.S. Americans are wanting to retrace familial roots and learn more about their past.
Ireland is also home to an abundance of fairytale-like medieval casts and small villages that offer a once-in-a-lifetime trip experience. And for those who love beer, Ireland is the home of Guinness and has over 75 independent microbreweries.
For those looking for the best attractions in Ireland, look no further as below we’ve listed the top tourist destinations that are a must-visit:
- The Cliffs of Moher
- The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
- The Latin Quarter in Galway
- The Ulster Folk Museum
- Cobh
- Titanic Belfast
- The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin
- The Rock of Cashel
- The Giant’s Causeway
- Trim Castle
Americans can revel in the fact that they no longer are subject to health checks when traveling to Ireland. Only downside to make the journey to Ireland is the high probability of rain, so bring a rain jacket and umbrella and explore the country to its fullest.