Dublin has received the title of the ‘Top Weekend Destination in the World’ by readers of American travel magazine Global Traveler during its 11th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards held in Philadelphia.
Global Traveler conducted its yearly survey, inviting readers to select their favourite global destinations, attractions, hotels, airlines, and cruise providers. The magazine has now unveiled the survey results, highlighting the destinations readers deemed as the ultimate weekend getaways.
Despite facing competition from other popular cities like Rome and Paris, Dublin claimed the first place position for the second consecutive year.
Siobhan McManamy, the Interim Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, expressed “delight” at the announcement, stating, “This accolade, as voted for by the readers of Global Traveler magazine, gives Tourism Ireland another great hook to continue to promote the island of Ireland in the US and elsewhere around the world as a ‘must see’ destination.”
Tourism Ireland – the official organisation for promoting Ireland overseas as a holiday destination – went on to boast that in 2019, Ireland had 11.3 million overseas visitors to the island, generating €5.9 billion in revenue.
However, some social media users questioned the accuracy of the result.
Some questioned if the result was “a joke,” asking “are they for real?” and if it was April Fool’s Day.
Others questioned if it was a “best of the worst” competition, and claimed that those who voted for the city “haven’t been in Dublin in the last couple of years.”
Still more sarcastically joked asking how much the award cost, with one describing the city as an “overpriced utter kip.”
One user joked that the writers of the press release actually meant Dublin was the best “weakened” destination in the world.
“€730 for 3 nights for accommodation which is about 45 minutes drive from the city centre…How’s Dublin the best weekend destination?” one person asked.
“Dublin is my home now and I love to live here, but this is nonsense,” said another.
“The night out here is super expensive, ends super early (2:30am is the middle / beginning of the night in any other big capitals) and the transportation back home is one of the worst of the entire world.”
Others referenced the city’s expensiveness, and the prevalence of crime.
Still more responded with assorted gifs.
Eh… pic.twitter.com/ukDP16ITJ3
— odeaboy ???????? ???????? (@odeaboy) June 30, 2023
— Cindy Lou (@20Racoon) June 29, 2023
— Declan Byrne (@DeclanByrne2023) June 30, 2023