Best in The World: Cork Named in Top 25 Destinations for 2025 by National Geographic

Cork has been selected as one of National Geographic's Best of the World Destinations for 2025.

Each year, National Geographic releases its "Best of the World" list (see last year's list here), celebrating destinations and travel experiences that illuminate our beautiful world and the diversity of communities and people within it.

Selected and written by Nat Geo Traveler editors from around the world—in collaboration with National Geographic experts and expedition leaders—the annual list features both surprising, up-and-coming destinations as well as timeless locations that have something new to offer.

National Geographic pointed out the pending investment in arts and culture due to take place in Cork and name checking Cork's oscar winning actor Cillian Murphy who curates the Sounds From a Safe Harbour Festival.

This year’s BEST OF THE WORLD list includes a blend of both surprising up-and-coming destinations and timeless locations that have something new and exciting to offer, from a new rock-climbing haven in India to Stockholm’s new and lesser-known island-hopping trail.

Designed as a menu of options to inspire travelers, BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 includes something for everyone — families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more. This year’s list features experiences that are beneficial for both locals and travelers, locations where visitors are welcomed and support the destination’s environment and community. 

“I like to think of BEST OF THE WORLD as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world,” said Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic. “This year, at a time of uncertainty and difficult challenges, that feels more important than ever. My hope is that our 2025 list is a reminder that there’s still so much to be excited about, and that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope.”

The full text reads:

CORK, IRELAND

Why Go Now: Immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance. 

The Cork City Development Plan, part of the $128 billion Project Ireland initiative, is funding ambitious and innovative improvements to be completed by 2028 that will redevelop the port and docklands, refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery, and enhance the Cork Event Centre so it can host new concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. In September 2025, Ireland's second city shines during Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival of music, dance, and conversation that was cofounded by Oscar-winningOppenheimer actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy."

Click here to read the full article
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/slideshow/best-of-the-world-2025

(Photo by Cian Wong)