When travellers dream of Ireland, they picture the emerald hills and ancient castles, but it’s the people, warm and quick with a joke, who transform a pleasant visit into something unforgettable. And according to Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards, the friendliest spot in Ireland isn’t Dublin with its literary pubs or Galway with its bohemian buzz, it’s Doolin, a village in Clare so small you could walk its length in ten minutes and still have time to stop for a pint.
Doolin claimed first place based on over 370 million verified guest reviews, beating out better-known destinations through what the awards describe as “thoughtful service, warm interactions, and memorable stays.” The village clings to the Atlantic coast with the kind of rugged beauty that makes tourists reach for their cameras, then forget to take the photo because they’re too busy chatting with a local about the best spot for seafood or whether the cliffs look better at dawn or dusk.
Community spirit here isn’t a marketing phrase; it’s the default setting.
In Doolin, genuine hospitality flows as naturally as conversation over a pint, no script required, just people being themselves.
The rankings reveal Ireland’s genius for hospitality beyond the obvious cities. Kenmare in Kerry secured second place for its colourful streets and elegant architecture, while Dingle, that vibrant harbour town, took third. Tralee and Killarney rounded out the top five, making Kerry a hospitality powerhouse that quietly outperforms flashier destinations.
Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler readers placed Kilkenny ninth worldwide and the sole European city in the top ten friendliest destinations. Visitors describe Kilkenny’s people as “the most welcoming,” always greeting strangers with genuine warmth, not the performative kind that feels like a transaction. The city’s wonderful restaurants, historical venues, and stores give locals plenty of treasures to share with those eager to experience their best offerings.
Dublin managed twelfth place (praised for history and “likeable people”), while Cork tied for twentieth as an “accommodating and warm gem.”
The data suggests something counterintuitive: smaller towns often excel at welcoming precisely because they’re not overwhelmed by tourism’s machinery. Galway earns recommendations for solo travellers thanks to live music and easy conversations in pubs where strangers become friends by the second round.
Cork City offers urban energy without the anonymity, walkable, gallery-filled, and reliably friendly. Kinsale delivers personal hospitality along its harbour, the kind where guesthouse owners remember your coffee order and suggest hiking paths tourists never find.
Post-pandemic interest in authentic, community-focused tourism has surged, with fifty percent of holidaymakers willing to spend more on genuinely welcoming destinations. Ireland’s regenerative approach is distributing economic benefits directly to local communities while preserving the authentic experiences visitors seek. Ireland capitalizes on this shift not through calculated strategy but by being itself a place where Dubliners crack jokes with strangers, where Westport’s architecture frames Clew Bay views, and where Ennis fills evenings with traditional music spilling from doorways. The awards, now in their 14th year, recognize destinations where visitors feel genuinely looked after rather than merely serviced.
In Doolin, the friendliness extends far beyond the pub door. Located on Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge in County Clare, Explore with ITR, the village is the perfect base for discovering the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the windswept beauty of the Aran Islands. Traditional music spills nightly from Gus O’Connor’s Pub, while seafood lovers gravitate toward The Ivy Cottage. For a sustainable and stylish stay, Hotel Doolin blends eco-conscious design with West Clare warmth.
Down in colourful Kenmare, tucked between mountains and sea in County Kerry, visitors can tour the mystical Beara Peninsula or drive part of the iconic Ring of Kerry. Food lovers can enjoy refined Irish cuisine at Mulcahy’s Restaurant or inventive dining at No. 35 Kenmare. Kenmare’s charm lies in its relaxed pace, colourful streets, and easy access to some of Ireland’s most scenic routes.
In nearby Dingle, another Kerry favourite, harbour views meet Irish-language culture. The spectacular Slea Head Drive offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Europe, while evenings come alive in Dick Mack’s Pub. Seafood shines at the legendary Out of the Blue, and boat trips reveal the rugged Blasket Islands offshore. Over in Tralee, visitors can explore the immersive exhibits at the Kerry County Museum or enjoy nature trails at the Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park. Meanwhile, Killarney, gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, invites visitors to wander through Killarney National Park and tour Muckross House & Gardens.
And then there’s Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval jewel and the only European city to rank in the world’s friendliest top ten. Located just a short journey from Dublin, Plan Your Visit with ITR, Kilkenny blends cobbled streets with creative energy. Visitors can tour Kilkenny Castle and explore the Medieval Mile Museum before dining at Michelin-starred Campagne or soaking up history at Kyteler’s Inn.
Doolin’s triumph reminds us that friendliness isn’t about amenities or attractions, it’s about eye contact, unhurried conversations, and the sense that locals actually enjoy meeting you.
Sometimes the best destinations are the ones you’ve never heard of, waiting with Atlantic views and genuinely warm smiles.
