Co Clare named as one of Europe's best places to go to by Condé Nast

Condé Nast describes The Banner county as 'the home of traditional Irish music', and an 'inspiring example of ecotourism' along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Tue, 26 Nov, 2024 - 14:21

Sally Gorman

Co Clare has been named as one of the best places to travel to in Europe in 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler.

Famous for the Cliffs of Moher, and now All-Ireland winning hurlers, Co Clare was praised for its “eco-conscious stays and a celebration of traditional crafts".

The Banner county has appeared alongside the likes of Geneva, Marseille, and Vienna to name but a few, on the publication's ‘Best Places to Go in Europe in 2025’ list.

The list, which was compiled by Condé Nast editors with help from “expert contributors from all four corners of the globe” features spots that are “making waves on the continent right now".

According to the team, these 11 destinations are “worthy of your precious annual leave and hard-earned spending money". They also believe that these locations are “on the up” and “deserving of your time and attention next year".

On the list, Gráinne McBride describes The Banner county as “the home of traditional Irish music”, and an “inspiring example of ecotourism” along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

The Burren National Park receives special recognition for its “lunar-like landscape”, while leave-no-trace fossil discovery walks and tours, hosted by marine biologist, Cormac McGinley, also get a mention.

The walks and tours manage to take in the coastal county’s “sea caves, ancient middens, and colour-popping anemones".

The Common Knowledge Centre also features as an “incubator for sustainable living". The centre, which is set on 50 acres of native forests and regenerative farmland, allows guests to learn the “lost arts” of dry-stone wall building and willow weaving, while also being “fed organic menus".

Sticking with food, the village of Doolin is highlighted, and Homestead Cottage, where Michelin-star dining is served within “rustic 200-year-old walls” is noted as “another champion” of Clare’s “rugged coast".

When it comes to accommodation, the “breezy surf-style escape” Armada Hotel gets the nod. It was the first hotel in the country given B Corp status for its environmental efforts.

Gregans Country Castle, where J.R.R Tolkien was once a guest, is also included as a “luxury eco hideaway". It was credited for donating a plot of land near its vegetable garden to the Burren Pine Project in order to “help restore a lost tree species to Ireland’s native flora".

“All this and you’re still never far from a toe-tapping céilí and the craic,” Ms McBride concluded.

Two Irish hotels pick up top honours in new Michelin Keys award

Here is the list of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Best Places to Go in Europe in 2025’