Cork listed as one of the best places to visit in 2025 by NatGeo

From a monastic stay in Italy, to birdwatching in Brazil, the National Geographic's list of 25 must-see destinations for 2025 has landed.

Handpicked by explorers, photographers, and editors, the list gathers gorgeous spots from across the globe, ranging from Antigua, Guatemala, to Cork, Ireland.

Nestled at #23, between Stockholm Archipelago and the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Co. Cork was selected by the publication thanks to its "emerging urban renaissance" and Cillian Murphy connections:

"The Cork City Development Plan, part of the $128 billion Project Ireland initiative, is funding ambitious and innovative improvements to be completed by 2028 that will redevelop the port and docklands, refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery, and enhance the Cork Event Centre so it can host new concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. In September 2025, Ireland's second city shines during Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival of music, dance, and conversation that was cofounded by Oscar-winning Oppenheimer actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy."

Best of the World 2025:

1. ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Why Go Now: Summit a volcano

2. OCALA NATIONAL FOREST, FLORIDA
Why Go Now: Escape to one of Florida’s last wild places

3. BANGKOK, THAILAND
Why Go Now: Explore a temple reborn

4. RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA
Why Go Now: Dive into a flourishing undersea ecosystem

5. GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
Why Go Now: Revel in the sound of mariachi

6. CENOBITIC MONASTERIES, ITALY
Why Go Now: Embrace the spiritual serenity of a monastic stay

7. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Why Go Now: Get lost in L.A.’s new art offerings

8. GREENLAND
Why Go Now: Journey with easier access to this extraordinary island

9. KANAZAWA, JAPAN
Why Go Now: Experience classic Japan without the crowds

10. EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS, MALAYSIA
Why Go Now: Ride the rails in style

11. BRASOV, ROMANIA
Why Go Now: Trek the Transilvanica Trail

12. CERRADO, BRAZIL
Why Go Now: Birdwatch and track wolves in a thriving biome

13. NORTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Why Go Now: Spot rare wildlife

14. SENEGAL
Why Go Now: Savor a culinary journey

15. HAIDA GWAII, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Why Go Now: Observe Haida traditions in a new location

16. BARBADOS
Why Go Now: Encounter a new perspective on slave trade history

17. SURU VALLEY, INDIA
Why Go Now: Scale the world’s next big climbing destination

18. BOISE, IDAHO
Why Go Now: Party with the Basques

19. ABU DHABI, UAE
Why Go Now: Relish the city’s incredible new museums

20. MURRAY RIVER, AUSTRALIA
Why Go Now: Cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia

21. KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
Why Go Now: See the Big Five in a new safari spot

22. STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO, SWEDEN
Why Go Now: Island-hop to hike this extensive new trail

23. CORK, IRELAND
Why Go Now: Immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance

24. OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND
Why Go Now: Uncover the real stars of Scotland

25. TUNISIA
Why Go Now: Delve into a treasure trove of Roman ruins

Reader's Choice Winner for 2025:

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

You can see the full list and read all the details here.