Dublin was today named the best rated destination in Ireland and twenty first in Europe, in the Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations, announced by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.

The description of Dublin on TripAdvisor, celebrates what Dublin has to offer: "You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family."

"No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques."

Killarney takes the No. 2 spot

The south of Ireland performs particularly well this year as four of the top 10 Irish destinations are located in Munster. However, the east of Ireland follows closely behind as Leinster lays claim to three of the top 10. Western Ireland is home to two winners, while Ulster’s Donegal Town comes in sixth place.

IRELAND TOP 10

1. Dublin
2. Killarney
3. Dingle
4. Cork
5. Westport
6. Donegal Town
7. Galway
8. Tralee
9. Navan
10. Kilkenny

In the worldwide view, Ireland unfortunately doesn't rank anywhere in the list of the 25 top cities. Surprisingly, historical favourites like Paris and New York have also dropped down the list to seventh and twelfth place respectively.

Newcomer to the top 10, Istanbul, swoops in to the number one position, just ahead of Rome, which itself rose two places from fourth last year.

Elsewhere, Asian destinations are named among the biggest risers, with Beijing, Hanoi, and Shanghai all awarded one of the top ten places for the first time.

WORLD TOP 10

1. Istanbul
2. Rome
3. London
4. Beijing
5. Prague
6. Marrakech
7. Paris
8. Hanoi
9. Siem Reap
10. Shanghai

EUROPE TOP 10

1. Istanbul
2. Rome
3. London
4. Prague
5. Paris
6. Berlin
7. Florence
8. Barcelona
9. St Petersburg
10. Budapest

View the complete list of 2014 Travellers’ Choice Destinations winners here.