Congratulations to us.
Ireland has been named the most desirable island in Europe at the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022.
Throughout the year, readers of the UK magazine Wanderlust were asked to vote for their most desirable destinations around the world.
The outlet said it received tens of thousands of votes before revealing the winners at a ceremony this week.
Ireland won big in the Most Desirable Island in Europe category, coming in first place – beating out Malta and Crete, which came in second and third place respectively.
Describing Ireland, Wanderlust said: “Marking the western edge of the continent, the Emerald Isle calls out to travellers looking for fantastic natural landscapes, historic cities, and epic road trips to connect it all.
“Its capital Dublin, sitting on the east coast, is known for being the home to Guinness – best experienced in the cobbled riverside neighbourhood of Temple Bar.
“While the Wild Atlantic Way is a fantastic tourist trail stretching 2,500 km along the entire western coastline of Ireland, linking County Donegal to County Cork.”
Palawan in the Philippines was named the most desirable island in the rest of the world by readers of the magazine.
Meanwhile, Greece was named the most desirable country in Europe, while Costa Rica took home the top prize of most desirable country in the rest of the world.
The most desirable city in Europe went to Dubrovnik whereas the honour for most desirable city in the rest of the world was given to New Orleans.
Regions were also awarded, with Normandy (Europe) and Florida (Rest of world) both taking gold.
You can check out the top 10 most desirable islands in Europe as chosen by the magazine’s readers below:
- Ireland
- Malta
- Crete
- Sicily
- Madeira
- Spitsbergen
- Hvar
- Isle of Skye
- Tenerife
- Jersey
Meanwhile, for the full list of winners in other categories, visit Wanderlust’s website here.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
