Ireland has been named the 'most desirable island destination' in Europe in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025.
It joined winners such as Japan, Italy, Buenos Aires and Dubrovnik, among many others who went home with a prize in hand.
Wanderlust is the UK's longest running and largest travel magazine by circulation and has been in operation for over 30 years, sharing travel tips, local recommendations and off-the-beaten-track gems to readers.
Now in its 24th year, the annual awards honour destinations, tour operators and airlines for their excellence across 22 categories such as most desirable country, city and destination for adventure.
The ceremony took place earlier this month on 5 November at London's National Gallery, hosted by acclaimed author, adventurer, documentary filmmaker and presenter Simon Reeve, and brought together a host of industry leaders, tourism boards and travel aficionados.
This year, 208,000 readers cast a combined total of 4.8 million votes for the winning countries and cities.
Ireland reclaimed the title of Most Desirable Island in Europe, with voters celebrating its "spirit of connection".
"Ireland's natural beauty is undeniable, and its wild coastlines invite reflection, but what keeps people coming back time and again is the warmth in every encounter that you’ll find here", write Wanderlust editors.
The big winner of the night was Japan, which reclaimed the title of Most Desirable Country (World) for the first time in more than a decade, followed by Costa Rica (Silver) and Canada (Bronze).
Italy was named Most Desirable Country in Europe, beating out Croatia and Spain in silver and bronze.
Read the list of winning countries and cities below:
- Most Desirable Country (World) - Japan
- Most Desirable Country (Europe) - Italy
- Most Desirable City (World) - Buenos Aires
- Most Desirable City (Europe) - Istanbul
- Most Desirable Region (World) - Alberta, Canada
- Most Desirable Region (Europe) - Normandy, France
- Most Desirable Island (World) - The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Most Desirable Island/s (Europe) - Ireland
- Most Desirable Emerging Destination - Albania
- Most Desirable Destination for Adventure - Australia
- Most Desirable Destination for Sustainability - Germany
- Most Desirable Destination for Culture & Heritage - Greece
- Most Desirable Destination for Nature & Wildlife - South Africa
- Most Desirable Destination for Gastronomy - Spain
Special Award for initiatives to manage tourism responsibly - Dubrovnik
Read the full list of all finalists here.
