This week Conde Nast Traveler revealed it’s 7 Wonders Of Ireland for 2026 --- they have avoided all the tourist traps on this list for some truly magical locations.

Weekend Breakfast with Alison spoke to Irish Travel Blogger Chris Connolly – you may know him from his hugely successful Instagram @explorewithcriostoir --- where he showcases his stunning videos and soft Northern Irish lilt!!

Chris has been everywhere in our beautiful country and shared his thoughts on the 7 chosen locations.

Here is the full list https://www.cntraveller.com/article/7-wonders-of-ireland-for-2026

1. Waterford topped the list as the must see destination in Ireland by Condé Nast Traveller, --- they said: “A road trip along the Copper Coast of County Waterford takes in some of the most beautiful, empty and underrated beaches in Ireland” – and also cited the Waterford Greenway and the Comeragh mountains for hikes to waterfalls and along panoramic ridges.

2. The Burren in County Clare described on the list as “otherworldly and extraordinary” They offer the Ailwee Caves instead of the usual Cliffs Of Moher. And encourage people to walk the two-and-a-half-hour Lough Avalla Farm loop, which takes in woodland trails, bee-buzzing pastures and open landscape.

3. Ring of Beara – The lesser known loop often overshadowed by the Ring Of Kerry – This straddles the counties of Kerry and Cork, the Ring of Beara is a knockout and relatively hush-hush route that snakes through the paintbox-bright villages of Eyeries and Allihies, over the dramatic turns of the Healy Pass and even past Ireland’s first Tibetan Buddhist temple

4. Northwest Donegal - Donegal feels like a place apart. Glenveagh National Park is a spectacular wilderness to explore. Mount Errigal can be scaled in about two hours, leaving plenty of time to head to the long, sandy beaches of Dunfanaghy.

5. Fermanagh Lakelands - awe-inspiring hikes including the boardwalk trail known as the Stairway to Heaven; the food scene and pubs of Enniskillen town; Beleek Pottery, and water-based fun on Lough Erne.

6. The passage tombs of the Ancient East - In the Boyne Valley of County Meath. Older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt, Newgrange is Ireland’s neolithic headliner.

7. The City of Kilkenny for Culture – Cat Laughs, Kilkenomics and Jerpoint Abbey all ticked the list to make this their cultural pick!