With just days to go before nominations close in the Irish Times Best Place to Holiday 2022 competition, Cork is the Irish county with the most entries—80. It is followed by Monaghan, with 60, Kerry, with 49, Waterford, with 38, and Dublin, with 33.
The Irish Times is searching for the Best Place to Holiday, in association with Fáilte Ireland, by asking members of the public to nominate their favourite destination—towns, villages, cities, islands and regions—either through the form below or via irishtimes.com/bestplace.
A panel of judges and researchers will scour Ireland to check out the places you’ve suggested, before announcing a winner later in the summer.
All 32 counties are represented in the almost 450 entries so far, but some counties, despite having a wealth of tourist attractions and popular destinations, barely figure in the competition so far. Tipperary, home to the Rock of Cashel, the Glen of Aherlow and Lough Derg, has just one nomination. Kilkenny, a popular city-break destination home to appealing villages such as Thomastown and Inistioge, has two.
It’s not too late to put your favourite place on the tourist map. Thanks to everyone who has entered so far. Entries close on Tuesday, June 7th.
To help inspire you, here are some of the entries sent in so far by readers, for the places they consider the Best Place to Holiday in Ireland, 2022.
Tullycross, Co Galway: ‘If you enjoy swimming, walking and drinking…’
Tullycross is the perfect place to stay if you enjoy swimming, walking, cycling, climbing, eating and drinking. There are three magnificent beaches nearby. Tully Beach has great waves with views of Silver Strand and Croagh Patrick in the distance. Lettergesh Beach is the world-famous beach where the horse racing scene from The Quiet Man took place. Glassillaun beach rivals any Caribbean beach for its beauty and azure blue water.
Connemara National Park contains a number of walks in a stunning location and wonderful vistas on each walk. My favourite is an Amazon style walk near the waterfall. Keen cyclists can enjoy short loops around the Renvyle peninsula or longer runs that can include Leenane and Cong to the north, or Clifden, Roundstone and Ballyconnelley to the south. Climbers can benefit from the laid-out route up Diamond Hill or Tully mountain, where, 50 years ago, schoolchildren had to traverse to get to their school.
Tullycross is a culinary paradise, from the excellent Coynes restaurant to the wonderful restaurant in the Maol Reidh Hotel, which epitomises fine dining. A wonderful breakfast or casual lunch is available in the Anglers Rest. The world-famous Tullycross diner produces the best chips in Ireland, second only to Burdocks in Dublin. The Renvyle Philly cheesesteak with the aforementioned chips is the most delicious and affordable steak dinner in Ireland. Coynes and the Anglers Rest are year-round drinking establishments with wonderful reputations for the craic.
So I believe Tullycross is the most wonderful place to stay any time of the year. Tullycross is my Brigadoon and it can be yours too.—Orla Mc Cabe
Doolin, Co Clare: Adventure is waiting for you
Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland, and with a colourful and welcoming village ready to host you during your stay, Doolin has something for everyone. Located on the edge of the historic Burren in northwest Co Clare, and within easy reach of the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the unique Aran Islands, Doolin’s dramatic landscape cannot easily be forgotten.
Doolin is the home of traditional Irish music, with plenty of music and craic to be had every night. You can take a clifftop walk, breathing in the crisp, salty Atlantic air while appreciating the beautiful wildflowers, discover the great stalactite at Doolin Cave, explore the rugged landscape, or go on an Atlantic cruise to appreciate the unique coastline from a different perspective. Adventure is waiting for you in Doolin.—Alexander Muir
The Hook Peninsula: 14 stunning beaches, one for every day
I wish to nominate The Hook peninsula as the best place to holiday in Ireland. Tucked away in the sunniest corner of southwest Wexford, it is a treasure-trove of castles, abbeys, beaches, walking trails and water-based adventures. The first tourists to arrive on The Hook Peninsula were the Normans, who landed on Baginbun beach in 1170 and liked it so much they stayed. As a result, Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, was built at the tip of the peninsula. The tour of the Lighthouse is an interactive odyssey with 360-degree views for miles from the top.
Driving back from the lighthouse you’ll pass 14 stunning beaches, one for every day of a fortnight’s holiday. Stop at Baginbun where you can hop on a kayak and paddle into a mystical cave. Or visit Dollar Bay, named for a shipwreck’s treasure yet to be found. Take a break for a delicious bite to eat in the lovely village of Fethard on Sea. The castle here dates back to 11th century, but bronze age artefacts have been found on the site.
Continue through the picturesque village of Saltmills and arrive at Tintern Abbey, a replica of Tintern Abbey in Wales. It was built by William Marshall, the “Greatest Knight”, who got caught in a severe storm in Fethard Bay (he mustn’t have come in summer!) and vowed if he was saved that he would build an abbey nearby. Today it has well-preserved ruins, an astounding walled garden and extensive walking trails. Finally, visit the star fort in Duncannon and walk off a seafood feast on Duncannon Beach. Just perfect!—Sinead Kidd