The Emerald Isle is gorgeous, no doubt about that. And it seems like in 2022, the world couldn’t get enough of just how beautiful Ireland is, and the number of attractions it offers for visitors and tourists.
To begin with, in October, we brought you the good news that Ireland has been voted as the friendliest country in Europe, and that Adare Manor is the best resort in the world. All this by Conde Nast and its well-travelled readers. In fact, two Irish hotels also made it to the world’s Top 50 hotels and resorts.
It seems like the accolades are on a roll. That the world cannot stop raving about us. You think we are bragging? Of course not!
We have come armed with proof. First things first. Let’s start with beer. Since it’s Ireland, we have to say, but of course!
The Guinness Storehouse was named ‘World’s Leading Beer Tour Visitor Experience’ at the World Travel Awards (WTA). This is the first time the Guinness Storehouse has won the Leading Beer Tour Visitor Experience award and was the only Irish nominee in the category which this year included The Heineken Experience, Netherlands and The Budweiser Budvar Brewery, Czech Republic. The Guinness Storehouse was previously voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2015.
Okay, so beer and beer tour sorted. What next, you ask?
Head over with us to Galway. For Galway has been ranked 13th in Europe in the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, a rating system designed to recognise responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry. The GDSI Results showed an improved score from 67.50 in 2021 to 73.16 for 2022.
Galway has also been named as the 30th most sustainable business city in the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index for 2022, recognising the city’s proactive approach to responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry.
Bear with us a little, as we take you to Kildare next. The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) recognises excellence in the visitor attractions and entertainment industry and has awarded the Irish Racehorse Experience a “THEA” award for outstanding achievement. The Kildare attraction was only one of three European entries this year. The announcement was made at the International Association Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) Conference in Orlando on November 15.
While the accolade will be formally presented at an in-person event in Disneyland Resort in Anaheim in April 2023, it’s noteworthy that the Irish Racehorse Experience at the Irish National Stud & Gardens won the “Excellence on a Limited Budget” category assuring annual recognition for experiences created for less than $5 million. It is also set to have its best year ever with over 145,000 visitors and over 1 million since 2014 showcasing the beating heart of the thoroughbred industry in Ireland.
The Irish Racehorse Experience opened its doors in June 2019 at a cost of €3.2m. It offers an immersive and interactive journey through the history of horse racing and tells the tale of the thoroughbred racehorse in a completely new and accessible way.
There’s more – Wicklow has also been named among the top 35 places in the world to visit in 2023 by National Geographic.
National Geographic has compiled its annual Traveller’s ‘Best of the World’ list recommending 35 destinations for 2023. The selection is split into five categories: Adventures, Culture, Nature, Family and Community.
Wicklow is featured as one of the top family destinations alongside San Francisco, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Manchester, Switzerland and Bath. A special mention is given to the Avondale Beyond The Trees experience.
Gosh, there is just so much to see and experience here in Ireland. If you think we have missed out on mentioning something important, give us a shout. We’ll happily update our list. After all, when it comes to cheering for the Emerald Isle and its many successes, we are always happy to go all guns firing. And bring you all the news that matter.