Ireland Claims Friendliest Country in Europe Title in 2026 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards
Ireland has claimed the title of the friendliest country in Europe in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, securing a score of 98.39 from 300,000 participating voters. The travel publishing survey, conducted between April 1st and June 30th, placed Portugal in second place with a score of 96.67.
Consistency marked Ireland’s performance in the latest rankings following two years in second place. Condé Nast Traveller highlighted the nation’s culture, describing the country as filled with soulful musicians and pioneering writers who warm hearts with their craic. The publication noted that travelers frequently find themselves striking up conversations with strangers inside traditional pubs.
Ballyfin Demesne and Ballyheigue win 2026 survey awards
Beyond the national title, individual Irish destinations and properties received recognition in the 2026 survey categories. Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois was named among readers’ favourite hotels in Europe, achieving a score of 98.77. Condé Nast Traveller described the five-star country house property, where rooms start at €710 per night, as the most considered grand house stay in Ireland. Its amenities include a helipad.
In the global beaches category, Ballyheigue in County Kerry secured a spot on the five-strong list of winners with a score of 95.39. The location features a continuous 10-kilometer strip of sandy beaches and dunes along the Atlantic coast overlooking Tralee Bay. Additional Irish beaches appearing in the wider rankings include Barleycove in County Cork with 93.33 and Sherkin Island in County Cork with 90.67.
Top Hotels Across Ireland Recognized in 2026 Survey
The wider 2026 results highlighted multiple accommodations across the country. The top ten hotels in Ireland recognized by readers include Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois, Killarney Royal Townhouse in County Kerry, The Westbury in County Dublin, and Cashel Palace Hotel in County Tipperary.
Additional properties named in the regional standings feature The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton; Anantara The Marker Hotel; The Lodge at Ashford Castle in County Mayo; The Killarney Park in County Kerry; The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection; and The Fitzwilliam Dublin Hotel.
Traveler Questions Regarding the 2026 Awards
How many people voted in the 2026 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards?
A total of 300,000 readers participated in the voting process for the 2026 survey.
What score did Ireland receive to win the friendliest country category?
Ireland achieved a score of 98.39 to claim the top spot in Europe, while runner-up Portugal finished with 96.67.
Which global destination beat Ireland for the worldwide friendliest title?
Costa Rica secured the title of the friendliest country globally, leaving Ireland to take the regional title for Europe.
When was the voting period for these awards conducted?
The survey data was collected between April 1st and June 30th.
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