Tipperary in Ireland has been named one of the world’s top destinations to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet, while the incredible street art in Bristol, England, has been singled out as one the world’s top experiences. In addition, attending an English Premier League football match was chosen as an ultimate sporting experience.

Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary (credit: Tourism Ireland photographed by Chris Hill)

The leading travel media company unveiled the accolades in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 – its collection of 25 destinations and 25 experiences around the globe that travellers should not miss in the coming year. 

Tipperary is described in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026 as “best for hiking, history and fine food”. The guide also says that “in Tipperary, the food is remarkable, the landscapes are generous, and the castles are so casually scattered across the county that you’ll probably stumble across one on your way to dinner. This is the Ireland of postcards, yes, but it’s also a place with a few surprises”.

Lacken Castle, Co Tipperary (courtesy Kerry Kissane - All Around Ireland)

Welcoming the news, Elmagh Killeen, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Brand and Marketing Communications, said: “We’re delighted that Tipperary has been recognised as one of the world’s top destinations to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet. This accolade celebrates the county’s incredible hiking trails, rich history and outstanding food experiences.

“As we look ahead to 2026, this well-deserved accolade will help set us apart from competitor destinations. It will inspire international travellers to come and discover Tipperary for themselves – and to put Ireland on their holiday must-visit list for next year.”

Larkins, Garrykennedy, Lough Derg, Co Tipperary (courtesy Fáilte Ireland)

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s Vice President, said: “The headline reasons for including Tipperary on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 are what our writer summarised as ‘hiking, history and fine food’. Best in Travel celebrates icons of Tipperary like the Rock of Cashel and the blue cheese that takes its name from the castle as well as much more of the county’s diverse offering.

“Tipperary’s walking trails and tiny village pubs open up a quiet side of Ireland’s largest inland county, and scenic drives make getting round a pleasure in itself. In a year when the possibilities of travel seem bigger than ever before, we’re excited to be packing our bags for Tipperary.”

Munster Vales, Co Tipperary (credit: Tipperary County Council)

Top destinations in Europe for 2026 named by Lonely Planet also include Cádiz in Spain, Sardinia in Italy, Utrecht in The Netherlands and the country of Finland.

When it came to the best experiences for 2026, two were selected from England: the incredible street art of Bristol and the ultimate sporting experience of a Premier League football match.

Bristol © VisitBritain / James Osmond

Bristol was the only UK city named in this year’s guide and, as Lonely Planet says: "No city in Britain uses its urban landscape as a canvas quite like Bristol" with "some of the best street art anywhere in Europe".

Street art at Cabot Circus in Bristol (Credit: VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Dave Bain/Lorna Harrington/Upfest/Aardman)

Known as the birthplace of Banksy – arguably the world’s most famous and elusive street artist – Bristol’s city walls are adorned with vibrant murals by Banksy and hundreds of other internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are from Bristol too. With street art tours, self-guided trails, the biennial Upfest street art festival, spray art workshop experiences and street art themed hotels there are many businesses contributing to the draw for visitors.

Colourful Street Mural Bristol (credit: VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Local Futures/Tobacco Factory/Upfest/Inkie & Silent Hobo)

Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West – the Local Visitor Economy Partnership responsible for tourism in Bristol – said: “Bristol is renowned for its progressive spirit, creative energy, and strong sense of independence, so it’s only fitting that its streets are alive with vibrant colour and powerful street art. Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy.”

Tom Hall added: “Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel. As well as showcasing the talents of local artists, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”

According to Lonely Planet, a pilgrimage to a Premier League match at one of England’s football cathedrals is the ultimate sporting experience for followers of English football. 

The Premier League, or EPL, is made up of 20 clubs spread across England, with most in London, the Midlands and the North West. Matches take place most weekends from August to May, with occasional midweek evening games under floodlights. As Lonely Planet says, seats are much sought-after, and most games sell out far in advance – so start planning as early as you can. 

Lonely Planet says: “Going to a match is not just visiting a stadium; it opens a window into the country’s passions and character that you’d struggle to see doing anything else.”

The other Best in Travel experiences in Europe identified by Lonely Planet were to visit Irish designer Eileen Gray’s famous villa in the south of France, to spot giants of the sea off the Azores in Portugal and to dance until dawn in Belgrade, Serbia.

Discover Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list in full.

If you or your group would like to discover any of the places in Ireland, England or Europe named on this year’s Lonely Planet list, please do contact our friendly team today and we can organise the perfect tailor-made itinerary for you!