Best in Travel 2022 is Lonely Planet’s 17th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and must-have travel experiences for the year ahead.
Listing the top 10 countries, regions and cities that should be on every globe-trotter’s to-do list, the
world’s number one travel guidebook puts Dublin at number seven in its top 10 cities.
The best-selling guide describes Dublin as “one of Europe’s most down-to-earth and friendly cities” adding that its “long established highlights are now complemented by new layers of community
and diversity that add to the capital’s contemporary appeal.”
With 2022 marking 100 years since the publication of Dubliner James Joyce’s modern masterpiece, Ulysses, Lonely Planet encourages visitors to follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom with a stroll around the city to see its architectural and cultural delights.
These include the elegant Georgian Squares, renowned Trinity College – home to the Book of Kells –, the Guinness Storehouse, which has been brewing the black stuff since 1759, and the historically important Four Courts and General Post Office buildings.
It also name checks Sweny’s pharmacy, built in 1847 and made famous by Bloom’s stop there to buy lemon-scented soap. And of course it mentions Dublin’s many pubs filled with colourful characters who embody the spirit of the people, long one of Dublin’s most appealing attractions.
Nowadays Dublin’s rich history is complemented by its vibe of “contemporary liberal dynamism” manifested in a plethora of cool microbreweries and cutting-edge restaurants serving up surprising and eclectic menus.
The Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2022 edition places particular emphasis on the best sustainable travel experiences — ensuring travellers will have a positive impact wherever they choose to go.
Ireland has embraced the idea of eco-friendly travelling and across the island there are numerous opportunities for eco-friendly holiday experiences that combine high enjoyment with a low environmental impact.
In Dublin, foot and pedal power are to the fore. The city’s core is compact and easy to navigate whether on two feet or two wheels. Biking stations make renting easy, and with half of the bikes for hire hybrid electric, they are suitable for all levels of fitness.
The city boasts some great cycle routes through Phoenix Park and alongside the Grand Canal, and yet more beyond the city centre. For a blast of seaside air head to the stunning coastline of Dublin Bay. A 10km cycle route stretches between Sandymount strand and Sandycove tower, site of the James Joyce Museum & Tower where you can delve into Joycean memorabilia.
As Lonely Planet concludes, “modern Dublin still has all the appeal of the city in Joyce’s day plus a host of compelling contemporary reasons to visit now”.
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