Tourism in Wexford has “evolved over the decades,” according to a leading author and travel expert.
It has topped Airbnb’s list of the most trending locations in Ireland this year, based on searches made on the home rental platform.
Inisheer in County Galway and Miltown Malbay in County Clare were second and third on the list respectively.
On Newstalk Breakfast, The Novel Traveller’s Michelle Walsh Jackson said Wexford is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
“It’s a city that has evolved over the decades and has lots to offer,” she said.
“It has that great cultural history with the opera festival which has brought on an eclectic mix of wonderful art galleries and wonderful places to eat.
“I’m really happy to see it there and I think it deserves it too.”
Historic buildings standing in the Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford. Image: dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock PhotoMs Jackson said it was a historically significant area of Ireland.
“There’s lots of other places to see there too including the Irish National Heritage Park," she said.
“There’s 9,000 years of history there. You can see how we lived from megalithic times all the way through to Viking and Norman eras.
“I’m not surprised to see Wexford on the list, it’s a great place.”
Inisheer, County Galway. Image: Hemis / Alamy Stock PhotoInisheer, the smallest of three Aran Islands, was also praised for its easy-going atmosphere.
“It’s such a beautiful place,” said Ms Jackson.
“If you’ve been there, you’ll see the water is different; it’s that beautiful turquoise colour, and the beaches are so clean.
“It’s so laid back and easygoing, like the land that time forgot. If you really want to escape somewhere you can’t beat Inisheer.”
Here is Airbnb's list in full of Ireland's top trending travel locations:
- Wexford, County Wexford
- Inisheer, County Galway
- Miltown Malbay, County Clare
- Killorglin, County Kerry
- Dublin, County Dublin
- Limerick, County Limerick
- Ennis, County Clare
- Adare, County Limerick
- Letterkenny, County Donegal
- Carlingford, County Louth
Ms Jackson said Limerick City is another location finally getting the recognition it deserves after it placed sixth on Airbnb’s list.
“I only found Limerick during the COVID years when you couldn’t leave the island and I was blown away by how much there was to do in the city,” she said.
“It’s called the Treaty City because the history of the siege is fascinating and it’s ingrained in the walls of the city as well as the fabulous King John’s Castle which everyone must see.
“The view over the Shannon is absolutely stunning and I think it’s a top-notch place to go for a weekend.”
Limerick city and the River Shannon, looking inland towards King John's Castle. Image: RollingNews.ieThe nearby town of Adare, which placed eighth on the list, was praised by Ms Jackson for its food on offer.
“It is just such a picturesque town, there are so many places to stay too,” she said.
“You’ve got the grand hotel but you’ve also got lovely little restaurants and the main street is just beautiful.
“It’s not too far from the city and it’s also a great gateway to a 40km cycle route on the Shannon which connects it very nicely.”
Ms Jackson added that she was delighted to see Dublin place fifth as “it needs the love”.
Main image: A dolmen portal tomb at the Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
