Cork city centre 'shines during Sounds from a Safe Harbour'

Immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance. That’s what National Geographic said about Cork when it was included in its annual top 25 places in the world to visit in 2025 list.

The only place in Ireland to be on the list, National Geographic said the Cork City Development Plan is funding ambitious and innovative improvements to be completed by 2028 that will redevelop the port and docklands, refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery, and develop the Cork Event Centre so it can host new concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.

Cork features on this list alongside other major international destinations including Guadalajara, Mexico and Suru Valley, India. The Best of the World 2025 list highlights visitor experiences that suit everyone from families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more.

“In September 2025, Ireland’s second city shines during Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival of music, dance, and conversation that was cofounded by Oscar-winning Oppenheimer actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy,” National Geographic said.

Fáilte Ireland welcomed the inclusion of Cork on National Geographic’s annual top 25 places in the world to visit in 2025 list.

Speaking on this recent announcement, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland Brian O’Flynn said: “Fáilte Ireland welcomes the announcement that Cork has been listed on the National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025. Cork is a key Irish destination with a unique culture and tourism offer ing that attracts many domestic and international visitors.

“Renowned nationally for its food provenance, vibrant city and stunning harbour, it’s fantastic to see Cork being recognised on a global scale,” he added.

“Fáilte Ireland is working closely with industry and key stakeholders to identify new opportunities to create a diverse range of visitor experiences in Cork as part of our Destination and Experience Development Plan. We look forward to announcing these plans later this year and building further on Cork’s fantastic tourism offering.” ing that attracts many domestic and international visitors. Renowned nationally for its food provenance, vibrant city and stunning harbour, it’s fantastic to see Cork being recognised on a global scale.

“Fáilte Ireland is working closely with industry and key stakeholders to identify new opportunities to create a diverse range of visitor experiences in Cork as part of our Destination and Experience Development Plan. We look forward to announcing these plans later this year and building further on Cork’s fantastic tourism offering.”