County Clare named on Condé Nast’s top European places to go in 2025
The prestigious travel publication’s top picks for next year include County Clare for its eco-conscious ethos.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare.
Conde Nast’s list of the top 11 European regions, cities and neighbourhoods that deserve to be on your travel to-do list next year includes County Clare on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Famous for its spectacular landscape that includes the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren, County Clare was praised as “an inspiring example of ecotourism”.
The Burren, an area of amazing limestone pavements and rich biodiversity, is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and has become a leading sustainable destination offering a multitude of eco-friendly activities and accommodation. The Burren Ecotourism network works to raise the standard of sustainable practices among tourism businesses in the area.
Mullaghmore loop, The Burren, Co. Clare
Among the activities highlighted by Condé Nast are leave-no-trace fossil discovery tours of the Burren’s lunar-like landscape led by marine biologist Cormac McGinley, who is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area.
Another recent addition to the eco mix is The Common Knowledge Centre, which is set on 50 acres of native forests and regenerative farmland. Here guests learn the lost arts of drystone wall building and willow weaving, alongside practical skills such as DIY and furniture making, while enjoying locally produced organic food.
Accommodation options in County Clare include a number of luxury eco retreats such as the cliff-top Armada Hotel, which was the first hotel in Ireland to get BCorp status for its sustainable practices, Gregans Castle Hotel and Falls Hotel & Spa.
Each year the Burren Slow Food Festival celebrates the region’s artisan food producers. As well as stalls selling the best of local products, there are cookery demonstrations, tastings and a farmers & craft market.
Gregan's Hotel, The Burren, Co. Clare.
For more epicurean delights head to the Homestead Cottage in Doolin, where Michelin-star dining is served in a traditional rustic Irish cottage. The restaurant got a special mention in the Condé Nast write-up as a “champion of the bounty of this rugged coast”.
County Clare is a delight for lovers of the outdoors with jaw-dropping scenery around every corner making it the perfect destination for hikers and bikers. It’s also known as the home of Irish traditional music and in every town and village you will find at least one pub with a trad music session in full swing.