Drimnagh Castle has been revealed as Dublin's top ‘hidden gem’ location according to a new study.

Research conducted by Tour Operator Software Provider Bókun (part of the Tripadvisor family)  has uncovered local ‘hidden gem’ locations around the world, according to tourists.

Bókun examined over 1,000 local destinations using Tripadvisor reviews containing the phrase "hidden gem." Their analysis revealed the best places to travel worldwide, according to real consumers. 

Ireland was one of the top three countries with the world's most "hidden gems." The Emerald Isle ranked the third most likely place to spot a "hidden gem" location worldwide, claiming 6% of the total wonders. Taking first place was England with 33% of total wonders, closely followed by the United States of America in second place with 31%.

Dublin, Ireland's capital, made a remarkable impression on tourists, with a total of nine destinations appearing on the global list of "hidden gem" spots. From the nine that made it to the list, Drimnagh Castle emerged as the front-runner. Claiming the top spot in both Dublin and Ireland overall, 19% of all reviews called the historical site a ‘hidden gem’ location. 

Among the nine acknowledged spots in Dublin were Casino Marino, Marsh’s Library, Dublin City Gallery, and Richmond Barracks. This recognition shines a spotlight on Dublin as a city with huge cultural significance, placing it amongst some very esteemed wonders worldwide.

And following behind Drimnagh Castle in second place in Ireland overall was Kilfane Waterfall and Glen in Co. Kilkenny, with 19% of reviews overall mentioning its noteworthiness. Ireland's third-best hidden gem was the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh (14%).

Read below for the top hidden gems in both Dublin and Ireland overall.

Hidden Gems in Dublin:

  1. Drimnagh Castle
  2. Casino Marino
  3. Marsh's Library
  4. Richmond Barracks
  5. St. Audoen's Church
  6. Chester Beatty
  7. Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
  8. 14 Henrietta Street
  9. The Little Museum of Dublin

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Ireland

  1. Drimnagh Castle
  2. Kilfane Waterfall and Glen
  3. National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
  4. Dooks Golf Club
  5. Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
  6. Casino Marino
  7. Marsh's Library
  8. Victor's Way
  9. Old Irish Ways
  10. Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

For more information on Bókun's study of "hidden gems" worldwide, click here.

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