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An iconic stretch of the west coast has been named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 picks, bringing renewed attention to one of Ireland’s most dramatic natural landscapes. The inclusion highlights a wider trend in travel: readers and experts seeking quieter, more meaningful experiences.
What the Best in Travel list celebrates
Lonely Planet includes a Galway destination in its Best in Travel 2027 list
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Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel compilation gathers 50 destinations and experiences chosen by its global community of travel writers and experts. The list is split evenly between 25 Best Places and 25 Best Experiences, and this year the editors say it “reflects travellers’ growing desire to slow down, escape the crowds and seek out more meaningful experiences”.
Why Killary Fjord made the cut
The site singled out Killary Fjord in County Galway, one of Ireland’s few glacial fjords. Nestled in Connemara, the fjord forms a natural boundary between Galway and Mayo and stretches roughly 16 km inland.
Surrounding peaks and ranges provide much of its dramatic appeal. Among them is Mweelrea, at 814 metres the highest point in Connacht, alongside the Maumturk Mountains and the distinctive Twelve Bens. Lonely Planet’s editors describe Killary as “a strong contender for the most breathtaking place in the country”.
Other notable selections
The list mixes well-known regions with off-the-beaten-track experiences. Highlights mentioned alongside Killary Fjord include the Veneto in Italy, with its Dolomites, Lake Garda and Renaissance cities such as Verona and Padua, and Skanör-Falsterbo on Sweden’s southern coast, often dubbed the “Swedish Riviera”.
- St Cuthbert’s Way — a 62-mile historical pilgrimage from the Scottish Borders to Northumberland, passing moorlands, hillforts and coastal reaches on the approach to Holy Island.
- Astana, Kazakhstan — noted for its futuristic architecture.
- Route Napoléon, France — recommended as a road trip rich in historical landmarks.
Lonely Planet has published the full Best in Travel 2027 list with all 50 destinations and experiences for readers seeking more ideas and planning inspiration.
