The award was presented on Wednesday by the top travel media firm in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024, which is a compilation of the “hottest trends, destinations, and experiences for the coming year” from across the globe.

“The highest sea cliffs in Europe at Sliabh Liag, at 601m (1972ft), and miles of unspoilt coastal hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way” are two things that Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 has to say about Donegal. Its “rich heritage of the Irish language, ancient forts, and musical traditions also make it an immersive experience for the curious visitor,” the book adds.

“It's really great news that Donegal has been named the fourth-best region in the world to visit in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024,” said Alice Mansergh, chief executive designate of Tourism Ireland, in response to the announcement. It will undoubtedly encourage tourists from other countries to add Ireland and Donegal to their wish lists for next year's vacations.

This is yet another well-earned honour that will help us stand out from other travel destinations and put us in a good position for 2024. I'd want to congratulate all the tourism and hospitality businesses in beautiful Donegal and offer my gratitude to Lonely Planet.

Over the years, the island of Ireland has excelled in winning the esteemed Lonely Planet's Best in Travel award.

In the past, Dublin has been ranked as the seventh best city in the world to visit in 2022; Galway, the fourth best city in the world to visit in 2020; Belfast and the Causeway Coast, ranked as the world's top region to visit in 2018; the Skellig Ring drive, ranked as one of the top ten regions to visit in 2017; Dublin, ranked as the third best city in the world to visit in 2016; and Ireland, ranked as the fifth best country in the world to visit in 2015.