Doolin in Co Clare.Ireland's Content Pool
Co Clare in the southwest of Ireland has been named one of the Best Places to Go in Europe for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler.
Visitors to Co Clare will find “eco-conscious stays and a celebration of traditional crafts," Condé Nast Traveler says in its roundup of European locals for 2025.
Co Clare is in great company on the new list which also gives nods to Arrábida in Portugal, the Athens Riviera, Matarraña in Spain, and Vienna.
Profiling Co Clare for the Best Places to Go in Europe for 2025, Gráinne McBride writes that the county has been "long seen as the home of traditional Irish music," but adds that it "is quietly becoming the hub of a grassroots revival of other skills and an inspiring example of ecotourism along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way."
Doolin, Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)
McBride goes on to highlight the champions in transforming Co Clare into a hub for ecotourism - the Common Knowledge Center, marine biologist Cormac McGinley, the Homestead Cottage in Doolin, as well as the Armada Hotel and Gregans Country Castle.
Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)
"All this and you’re still never far from a toe-tapping céilí and the craic," McBride adds.
Music in Ennis, Co Clare during the Fleadh Cheoil in 2016. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The latest distinction for Co Clare comes about a year after the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren - both in Co Clare - were named among the 19 most beautiful places in Ireland by Condé Nast Traveler.
The Burren in Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Celebrating the big shout-out from Condé Nast Traveler is Visit Clare, the county's official tourism group.
"We are thrilled to share that County Clare has been recognised as one of Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Visit in 2025, highlighting our county’s commitment to eco-conscious stays and a celebration of traditional crafts," Visit Clare said on social media on Monday.
"As County Clare is currently on a journey towards achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, we are always delighted to see Clare recognised for our wide variety of eco-conscious activities, stays, dining, and attractions."