Ireland has been named as the Friendliest Country in Europe in the 2022 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

Temple Bar, Dublin

Condé Nast cites numerous global reports describing the people of Ireland as some of the friendliest and most welcoming to visitors in the world, and this is recognised by its readers in the latest poll.

Music at the Rostrevor Inn in Newry, County Down

As well as the breweries and lively atmosphere of Dublin, Condé Nast explained that there are plenty of natural discoveries to be enjoyed for those willing to venture a little further.

Condé Nast was glowing about the attractions of Ireland: “Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, for example, is an area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns - formed during an ancient volcanic eruption - and was named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. Then there's the Cliffs of Moher in the south, rising to 214 metres in places, and offering visitors vistas across to the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north.”

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Beating off stiff competition from Portugal at number two, and Greece at number three, the awards were chosen by Condé Nast readers, who voted in their thousands. The Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards are the most important awards in the travel industry, celebrating the ultimate places, destinations and attractions on the planet. 

In addition, Adare Manor Hotel was voted one of the best resorts in the world. The five star hotel in County Limerick was named as winner in the Rest of Europe category, with The Westbury in Dublin also scooping the award for Best Hotel in Ireland.

Adare Manor, County Limerick

Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Niall Gibbons said: “Again and again, our research shows us that the friendliness of our people is one of our unique selling points. It is the warm welcome and the ‘craic’ here that resonates with our overseas visitors and makes the island of Ireland such a great choice for a short break or holiday.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “Our visitors to Ireland never fail to be impressed by the friendliness of the people and the fantastic welcome they receive. This helps to make our tours to Ireland great fun and extremely popular – Ireland is a destination everyone will enjoy!”

UK winners in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards included:

• Best city in the UK: Cambridge, England
• Friendliest city in the UK: Glasgow, Scotland
• London’s best hotel: The Connaught
• The best hotel in the rest of the UK: The Fife Arms, Highlands, Scotland

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Ireland – the friendliest country in Europe – please do contact our friendly team today.