Top Mayo tourist spot named among Ireland's must-visit destinations

A new study has revealed Ireland's most popular tourist destinations based on their number of 'excellent' Tripadvisor reviews.

Among them, coming in at number five, is Downpatrick Head near Ballycastle along the north Mayo coast.

The study named the Kilkee Cliff Walk in Co. Clare the best-rated place, with 91.8% of reviews being ‘excellent’.

The second most popular location was the Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern in Carlingford, Co. Louth.

Next in line, Gougane Barra Church in Co. Cork places third highest-rated, ahead of another Cork location, Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance (a memorial to those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks) in Kinsale.

Regarding Downpatrick Head, in fifth place, the study noted: “The cliff area offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and has a five-star rating, with 85.6% of reviews being 'excellent'. The coastal beauty is situated in Co. Mayo and is named after St. Patrick, who founded a church, now ruins, on the small peninsula.”

Rounding out the top 10 destinations are: Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry; Eask Tower, overlooking Dingle Harbour; Victor’s Way in Co. Wicklow; Youghal Clock Gate Tower in Co. Cork; and Horn Head Loop in Co. Donegal.

The study, conducted by sports betting and casino site Tonybet, looked at the percentage of 'excellent' reviews compared to the total number of reviews on Tripadvisor for top Irish destinations. The destinations with the highest portion of 'excellent' reviews were then ranked top to bottom. Only places with 100 reviews or more were considered.

A spokesperson from Tonybet said: “Ireland has long been known for its beautiful countryside and scenic views. This study has highlighted just some of the many hidden gems that visitors can include in their travels.

“Many of the places on the list are steeped in a rich history that locals are very proud of. Places like Gougane Barra Church have centuries of stories surrounding it, but newer areas on the list, such as the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, offer rich cultural experiences, providing travellers with moments of reflection, whether alone or with loved ones.

“Overall, Ireland is home to some of the most captivating and beautiful destinations in the world, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical depth and cultural richness that make it a must-visit for any tourists.”