Ireland has been named the Most Desirable Island Destination in Europe at the prestigious 24th annual Wanderlust Travel Awards, held at London’s iconic National Gallery.
The Emerald Isle beat out strong competition from Malta (silver) and the Greek Islands (bronze) — cementing Ireland’s place as the continent’s most beloved island escape.
Over 200,000 Wanderlust magazine readers cast 4.8 million votes, alongside an independent judging panel, to determine the winners. The result was clear: when it comes to island destinations in Europe, Ireland stands alone.
“The Spirit of Connection”
Wanderlust’s Editor-in-Chief, George Kipouros, summed up why Ireland took the top honour:
“Ireland has reclaimed the top European island title thanks to what our readers call its spirit of connection. They write about strangers turning into friends over music and stories, about wild coastlines that invite reflection, and about the way every encounter feels genuine.”
It is a sentiment that millions of visitors to Ireland know instinctively. From the wind-swept Aran Islands to the green hills of Wicklow, from a late-night session in a Galway pub to a quiet morning on the Dingle Peninsula — Ireland does not just welcome you. It draws you in and refuses to let go.
What Makes Ireland Europe’s Most Desirable Island?
Wanderlust readers pointed to three qualities that set Ireland apart from every other island destination in Europe:
- Human warmth. The people of Ireland are what make every trip unforgettable. The conversations with strangers, the craic in the pub, the shopkeeper who sends you ten minutes out of your way to find the best view — it is an island where hospitality is not a service, it is a culture.
- Wild, untouched landscapes. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches 2,500 kilometres of dramatic coastline — cliffs, coves, headlands, and beaches that feel as though no one has ever been there before. This is a landscape that demands your attention and earns your respect.
- Living heritage. Ireland’s history breathes. Ancient monastic ruins sit beside modern craft breweries. Traditional music drifts out of pubs in villages where Gaelic is still spoken. The past here is not behind glass — it is woven into everyday life.
A Tourism Economy That Reflects the Love
The Wanderlust Award did not arrive in a vacuum. Ireland’s tourism is booming. In 2024, overseas visitor spending grew by 9% compared to 2023, bringing a record €6.9 billion to the Irish economy. In 2026, visitor numbers are expected to break records again, with particular surges from North America and continental Europe.
Tourism Ireland’s investment in the island’s global reputation — from its “Keep Discovering” campaigns to its presence at major travel expos in New York, London, and Sydney — has paid dividends. But no marketing campaign creates genuine warmth. That comes from the island itself.
Where to Experience the Ireland That Won This Award
If you want to understand why Ireland beat the Greek Islands and Malta to the top of Europe’s island rankings, these are the places that embody it:
What is it like to experience the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest defined coastal driving route at 2,500km, running from Donegal in the north to West Cork in the south. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher in Clare (one of Ireland’s most visited sites), the lunar landscape of the Burren, the dramatic Slieve League cliffs in Donegal (three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher), and the golden beaches of Achill Island. Allow at least seven to ten days to do it justice — rushing it would be missing the point entirely.
How do you find the real Irish pub experience?
Skip the tourist-facing pubs in city centres. Instead, head to village pubs in County Clare, Galway, Kerry, or Sligo where traditional music sessions (known as “trad sessions”) happen organically on midweek evenings. Ask your B&B host where the locals go. The best craic in Ireland is almost always found on a Tuesday night in a small village you have never heard of.
Is Ireland worth visiting if you have already been to Scotland or Wales?
Absolutely — and the Wanderlust readers who voted agree. While Scotland and Wales have their own extraordinary appeal, Ireland offers something distinct: a cultural warmth and a connection to ancient Celtic heritage that is uniquely its own. The Irish language (Gaeilge), Irish traditional music, and the particular quality of Irish storytelling create an island identity found nowhere else on earth. They are different experiences that complement each other beautifully.
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Photo credit: Raul Kozenevski via Unsplash. Source: Tourism Ireland / ITTN
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!