The Irish city you should visit in 2024

Dublin has been named the European Smart Tourism Capital for 2024 by The European Commission. The bustling capital of Ireland has been working tirelessly to enhance the experience for travelers, focusing on incorporating local culture and heritage into the tourism initiatives. The city has successfully balanced the needs of its people with the preservation of nature, leading to its recognition as the Smart Tourism Capital. Dublin's victory came after defeating 30 competitors from 17 countries, with assessments based on sustainability, accessibility, digitalization, cultural heritage, and creativity. The city's efforts to explore and showcase 'what it means to be Irish' have not only connected millions of people in the Irish diaspora worldwide but have also provided an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life. The Guinness Storehouse has taken significant steps to ensure that visitors with sensory processing differences can enjoy the tourist attraction, in collaboration with Ireland's National Autism Charity. Additionally, themed routes that delve into the events and people who have shaped the city are being developed, including an open-air contemporary art gallery called (meaning 'here' in Irish Gaelic), which is the first project of its kind in Ireland. The city's commitment to smart and sustainable practices is evident along the 30km bay, with recent initiatives focusing on the wild and woolly Howth Head neighborhood, just a short train ride away. The area offers an unrivaled panorama and is home to the only indigenous and rare Old Irish Goat, which is making a comeback thanks to a DNA breeding program. Classic city attractions have also undergone significant improvements, with Ireland's largest sporting arena, offering a winning cityscape view 17 storeys high from its wheelchair-accessible walkway. The museum at Custom House Quay, specifically noted by the Smart Tourism judges, has 'rewritten the museum rulebook', according to CEO Aileesh Carew. Exhibits at the museum illustrate that Ireland is as much and as it is and tin whistles, showcasing the diverse aspects of Irish culture and heritage.