Cork has been named as one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit by National Geographic.
The city features alongside 25 other locations including Bangkok, Los Angeles and Barbados for its 'emerging urban renaissance' and vibrant art scene.
National Geographic's 'Best of the World' annual list is handpicked by explorers, photographers, and editors working for the magazine. This year, Cork City was listed as one of the top must-see travel destinations.
"In September 2025, Ireland’s second city shines during Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival of music, dance, and conversation," National Geographic said.
The English Market, in Cork, Ireland. Robert Harding / Alamy Stock Photo. 22 July 2015.The place to be
On Newstalk Breakfast today, broadcaster, publisher and Cork native Fionnuala Jones said, ‘Cork’s the place to be’.
“I think we are incredibly warm people. We're incredibly funny people - look at the type of people that the county has produced,” she said.
“I do think it comes down to the people and the communities. There's such a sense of community that I think is a bit lost in other places at the minute."
Row of terraced houses in Cork City Ireland with mural of man hurling on gable end. Image: aphperspective / Alamy Stock Photo. 23 November 2021“It’s a city but it always feels – to me – so local. It feels to me a bit like a village.
“The thing is, even if you don't know everyone, you'll probably wave at them anyway and say hello.
“I think that was one of the biggest culture shocks for me when I did move to Dublin, and I realised - you don't really wave at the person that you've walked past when you're getting the Luas or something.”
Main image: Singer Nathan Carter performing in the City Hall, Cork, Ireland. Picture by: John Allen/ Alamy. 26 March 2018The magazine also mentioned the city’s ambitious plans to refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery and develop the Cork Event Centre by the year 2028.
