Cork has been named among the 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025 by National Geographic as part of the brand’s ‘Best of the World 2025’ feature.
The second largest city in Ireland, Cork is featured on National Geographic’s annual list that highlights “the most exciting, meaningful and one-of-a-kind travel experiences for the upcoming year.”
National Geographic encourages travelers to visit Cork to “immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance.”
Cork City Hall. (Ireland’s Content Pool)
Here’s what National Geographic said about Cork: “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.Â
“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-winning ‘Oppenheimer’ actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy.”
Crawford Art Gallery in Cork City. (Ireland’s Content Pool)
Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief for National Geographic, separately told CNN that Cork has “always been a fun city with a vibrant culture … and an incredibly warm local population.”
Cork joins an impressive, eclectic list that also includes Boise in Idaho, Cenobitic Monasteries in Italy, and the Eastern and Oriental Express in Malaysia. Sarajevo, meanwhile, was named the winner of this year’s Readers’ Choice vote.
St Mary’s Priory on Pope’s Quay, Cork City. (Ireland’s Content Pool)
Pure Cork, the official tourism brand for Cork, was “thrilled” with the new distinction from National Geographic.
We are thrilled to announce that Cork has been chosen as one of National Geographic’s “BEST OF THE WORLD” destinations for 2025! 🌍
This incredible recognition celebrates the beauty, culture, and vibrant spirit of our city- https://t.co/lIUA5qSnCu#PureCork #NationalGeographic pic.twitter.com/TXBRdgLCgJ
— Pure Cork (@pure_cork) October 22, 2024
Also welcoming the news, Cork City Councillor Shane O’Callaghan said the Irish city’s feature on the National Geographic list is “a huge boost to tourism.”
It is fantastic to see that Cork has been chosen as one of “The 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025” by @NatGeo
This is a huge boost to tourism in the city and a great endorsement for the work being done by @pure_cork and all the tourism stakeholders… pic.twitter.com/9er5QDOLR1
— Shane O’Callaghan (@CllrShaneOC) October 22, 2024