From Dublin to Belfast, from castles to coastlines, find out why prestigious newspaper Forbes has listed Ireland as a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination.
The world-renowned American magazine Forbes has listed Ireland as one of the top bucket list destinations in the world, placing the Emerald Isle alongside some of the globe’s most illustrious locations.
The announcement comes as part of the magazines ongoing series entitled ‘30 Best Bucket List Trips for Your Lifetime’, and the selection will come as no surprise to those acquainted with this island’s beauty and charm.
The Forbes Bucket List series
The series is authored by award-winning travel journalist and best-selling author Larry Olmsted, who is motivated by a new way of travelling in the wake of the disastrous impact the Covid-19 outbreak has had and is having on the tourism industry.
Throughout his series, Olmsted aims to present 30 different ‘Once in a Lifetime’ experiences and definitions for you to add to your very own bucket list. He compiled the list with the aid of experts and his own 25-year experience.
“We should … travel better than before,” he proclaims. He is encouraging us to plan our long-term travel goals, as we would our finances and other critical aspects of our life. For him, the Emerald Isle should be in that plan.
Why Ireland is a top destination to visit
As an American newspaper, Olmsted was quick to point out that millions of Americans trace their ancestors back to Ireland, and so ‘genealogy’ is one of the main reasons to visit the country.
In quickfire fashion, he also announced numerous other reasons why people should visit Ireland. Chief amongst them would be that it’s “naturally beautiful”, it makes some of the best beers and whiskies, it has a “vibrant culture, music, and festival scene”, and has a great food scene.
Olmsted also highlights Ireland’s burgeoning capacity of castles, labels it as “arguably the world’s best golf destination”, has fantastic hiking, walking and cycling, and its warm “Irish hospitality” that has “become an expression instantly understood around the globe”.
Where in Ireland to visit
Firstly, Olmsted recommends Dublin, a “must-see city”, and lists off some of our capital’s most esteemed attractions, such as the Book of Kells, Trinity College, and the Guinness Storehouse.
West Cork is labelled as a place to visit, citing Kinsale and Dromberg Stone Castle. At the same time, the unrivalled Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry are described as “must visits”.
Olmsted also makes reference to the North of Ireland, somewhere “not to be missed”. Start with the “grand capital of Belfast”, before embarking on a tour of Derry, Armagh and Bushmills in North Antrim.
Where to stay in Ireland
In Dublin, the author recommends a stay at Brooks, an “affordable but upscale boutique hotel”, while the “top luxury pick” in the city would be the Merrion Hotel.
Outside of the capital, mention is made of the stunning Ashford Castle in Mayo, a five-star resort, and the Bushmills Inn, just outside of the famous Bushmills Distillery and not far from the beautiful Causeway Coast.
Where else is on the list?
The Emerald Isle is ranked alongside prestigious company in Forbes’ bucket list. Olmsted also recommended the Oktoberfest in Munich, Las Vegas in America, the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and the Grenadines in the Caribbean, besides much, much more.
