Dublin named seventh best city in the world to visit in 2022

DUBLIN is the seventh best city in the world to visit in 2022, according to Lonely Planet.

The travel website published its top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit next year on Wednesday.

It revealed that this year’s rankings are heavily influenced by destinations with the “best sustainable travel experiences” to cater for “more responsible travel”.

Plans to pedestrianize parts of the city are cited as the reason for the accolade being awarded to the Irish capital, in addition to it being one of Europe's "most down-to-earth and friendly cities".

Storming ahead to first place for best city for 2022 is Auckland, New Zealand, which was commended for its “blossoming cultural scene where the spotlight is on local creativity”.

Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin took to Twitter to welcome the news.

Great global announcement by Lonely Planet tonight ranking Dublin as one of the ‘Top 10’ cities to visit in 2022. We will be working to maximise this great story around the globe. Another major milestone on the road of tourism recovery. @lonelyplanet pic.twitter.com/j9CVL7HIQl

— Niall Gibbons (@NiallGibbons) October 27, 2021

While soaking up the city, it encouraged tourists to go on walking tours, following in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of James Joyce's iconic 1922 novel Ulysses – the 100 year anniversary of which is coming up next year.

Also, Dublin’s grand Georgian squares, centuries old pubs, and amiable inhabitants all get a mention.

Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said: “I would like to congratulate the beautiful city of Dublin on being recognised as one of the best cities to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.

"This is a wonderful accolade for the city and very well deserved. It has been such a difficult period for our tourism industry and this is a timely reminder that Ireland and in particular Dublin remains a world class holiday destination.

"I would like to encourage all domestic and international tourists alike to visit Dublin and mark the centenary of the wonderful book “Ulysses” from one of our many literary icons James Joyce and follow in the footsteps of the uniquely Irish Leopold Bloom."

Chief executive of Tourism Ireland Niall Gibbons said: “The inclusion of Dublin as the Number Seven City in the world in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 is wonderful news and will surely help to inspire travellers everywhere to put Dublin and Ireland on their holiday wish-list for next year.”

"As we restart tourism from overseas, it is another well-deserved accolade which will help position us well for 2022 and create ‘stand-out’ against competitor destinations. I would like to thank Lonely Planet for the wonderful support they have shown the island of Ireland over the years.”

Dublin will officially receive the award from Lonely Planet on Thursday.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022

Top 10 Countries: