The Kingdom of Kerry has been voted third place in the top 10 destinations to visit before you die.
Global website, Big 7 Travel, compiled the bucket list of 50 places around the world they believe everybody must see at least once in a lifetime.
They gathered the countdown of global beauty spots after holding an online survey of 1.5 million seasoned travellers.
The votes are in
The official Top 50 Bucket List Destinations of 2019 gives a clear picture of the most sought-after locations around the world.
A variety of well-known travel hubs across the globe featured among the top 10 places including Paris, Cape Town and Sydney.
But county Kerry in the southwest of Ireland beat them all when it was voted third best place in the world to visit before you die.
“Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you add in Killarney National Park,” reads the travel article.
“The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm. It’s no wonder Kerry is so many people’s dream destination.”
The full list of the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations of 2019 reads below with Kerry at an impressive third place.
10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
9. Dubai, UAE
8. Cape Town, South Africa
7. Paris, France
6. The Maldives
5. Sydney, Australia
4. Marrakech, Morocco
3. Kerry, Ireland
2. New Orleans, USA
1. Bali, Indonesia
No surprise
County Kerry is fondly known in Ireland as ‘The Kingdom’, and it becomes clear why once you visit.
A place of intense natural beauty, Kerry is home to Ireland’s highest peaks and greenest grass.
The stunning Wild Atlantic Way follows its coastline of clear waters, white sands and some of the best surfing spots in the world.
The Ring of Kerry is a road that can be driven, cycled or hiked and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
A trip from the shore can bring you to mystical places including the Skellig Islands, a location so beautiful it is literally ‘out of this world’ after featuring in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
The county’s cuisine is second to none, using locally sourced products, the most delectable seafood and handmade chocolate available from a factory just moments from the Ring of Kerry.
At one with nature
Kerry is a place you can feel truly connected to the natural world with a plethora of flora and fauna to see in their natural habitat.
Dingle is home to Ireland’s famous dolphin, Fungie, while seals, whales and other sea life are often spotted along the coast, not to mention a colony of puffins on the Skellig Islands.
The Kerry cow is a rare breed of cattle only used for dairy to produce THE best butter in the world.
While every year, a mountain goat is crowned King of Ireland at Ireland’s oldest festival, Puck Fair in Killorglin.
A worthy winner
While New Orleans came in at a very respectable second place and Bali was voted number one Bucket List Destination of 2019, we hold Kerry in third place with immense pride.
And after Ireland was recently voted Best Travel Destination of Europe it is clear the Emerald Isle comes in at number one in many people’s hearts.
Just as the Kingdom of Kerry will always be a winner in our book.
