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County Kerry’s Ballyheigue has been named among the world’s top beaches in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, bringing international attention to the Irish coastline. The annual survey — now in its 39th year — drew thousands of responses from the magazine’s UK readership.
Irish winners and national recognition
Alongside Ballyheigue’s selection as Ireland’s leading beach, the awards singled out Ballyfin in County Laois as the country’s top hotel. The publication also ranked Ireland as the friendliest country in Europe, a distinction that places the nation prominently in this year’s reader-driven list.
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Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards cover a broad range of categories, from beaches and hotels to cities and islands. The results are compiled from reader responses and are widely read by travellers planning short- and long-haul trips.
Top beaches in the awards
- Ireland: Ballyheigue, County Kerry.
- Europe: Sperlonga, Italy.
- United Kingdom: Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey, Wales.
- Asia: Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka.
- The Americas: Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, US.
Favourite hotels across Europe
The survey also listed standout hotels by city and region, with Irish and international properties recognised.
- Paris: Le Bristol Paris.
- Rest of France and Monaco: Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, Château de Versailles.
- Ireland: Ballyfin, Co Laois.
- Rome: Corinthia Rome.
- Florence: Il Tornabuoni Hotel.
- Venice: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
- Rest of Italy: Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, Taormina, Sicily.
- Greece: Canaves Epitome, Canaves Collection, Santorini.
What the recognition could mean
Inclusion in a high-profile readers’ poll typically raises a destination’s visibility among international travellers and travel planners. For local businesses and tourism bodies, such listings often translate into increased interest and potential bookings.
Condé Nast Traveler’s full set of categories and winners includes many more destinations and properties than those named here. Readers seeking the complete results can consult the magazine’s published list for detailed rankings and additional categories.
