The Outer Hebrides in Scotland and Cork in Ireland have been named in the 25 Best of the World destinations for 2025 by travel authority National Geographic.  

Uist, Outer Hebrides © Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

The Outer Hebrides is the only UK destination to be included in the prestigious list, due to its breathtaking landscapes and unique heritage. The city of Cork was singled out for its emerging urban renaissance.

For decades, the Outer Hebrides has attracted visitors from every corner of the globe, who are drawn to its beautiful beaches and coastline, breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters, unique Hebridean culture and Gaelic language, history and wildlife, welcoming locals, delicious local food and drink and its wide variety of outdoor pursuits. 

Eriskay Beach, Outer Hebrides © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The island group, located off the north west coast of Scotland, is no stranger to global accolades, with West Beach on Berneray being included earlier this year in Lonely Planet’s list of 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches. They were also included in Conde Nast Traveller's 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Islands in the UK category.

National Geographic highlights that a new Gaelic-language BBC TV drama series An t-Eilean (The Island), due to be broadcast in 2025, is set to shine a spotlight on the Outer Hebrides and singled out several locations and experiences of note, including the Hebridean Way, the Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) and the islands’ unique wildlife.  

The National Geographic entry for Cork in Ireland spotlights the Cork City Development Plan, part of a $128 billion Project Ireland initiative, which is funding ambitious and innovative improvements, to be completed by 2028, that will redevelop the port and docklands, refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery, and enhance the Cork Event Centre so it can host new concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.

Cork City © Tourism Ireland

In September 2025, according to National Geographic, Ireland’s second city will shine during Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival of music, dance, and conversation that was co-founded by Oscar-winning Oppenheimer actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy.

Each year, National Geographic releases its Best of the World list,celebrating destinations and travel experiences that illuminate the world and the diversity of communities and people within it. Selected and written by Nat Geo Traveler editors from around the world — in collaboration with National Geographic experts and expedition leaders — the annual list features both surprising, up-and-coming destinations as well as timeless locations that have something new to offer.

Crawford Art Gallery, Cork (photo courtesy Jed Niezgoda_www.venividiphoto.net)

Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic, said: “I like to think of BEST OF THE WORLD as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “The Outer Hebrides has rightly been singled out for its incredible landscape and wildlife, and Cork City is one of the friendliest and liveliest cities in Ireland. Although these two destinations are very different to each other, they are both well worth a visit.”

The other locations in Europe named in this year's National Geographic Best of the World list were: Cenobitic Monasteries in Italy, Brasov in Romania, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, including visits to the Outer Hebrides and Cork, please do contact our friendly team today.