IRELAND is a destination that’s so popular with tourists – but especially those of the celebrity variety.
Some of the most famous A-listers in the world call Irish spots their favourites and they love to visit here.
From Taylor Swift and Harry Styles to Katy Perry and even Beyoncé, the stars enjoy spending quality holiday time on the Emerald Isle.
Whether it be their chosen location for a new film or they just fancy an escape from the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of places around the country for celebs to hang their hats.
Now Betfair Casino has taken a deep dive into their go-to destinations to experience a break from reality.
The popularity of each location was measured by a unique index score – based on the number of hashtags and views each location has racked up on Instagram, as well as TripAdvisor rankings, with the lower the overall index score, the higher the ranking.
In joint first place was Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, as the medieval and Victorian castle was 007 star Pierce Brosnan’s wedding reception location after he married Keely Shaye at Ballintubber Abbey.
Also in the winning spot was the picturesque village of Kilcar in Co Donegal, where Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick have been to holiday together.
Galway City followed in second place, which is said to be loved by Ed Sheeran, who wrote the song ‘Galway Girl’.
Dublin’s stunning Phoenix Park took the third spot after Beyoncé and Jay-Z were spotted strolling through the park in 2014.
Dalkey in south Co Dublin followed in fourth as A-listers Matt Damon and Lindsay Lohan have been recent visitors as they stayed there for filming.
Both stars have previously filmed on the island, with Lindsay starring in Irish Wish and Matt shooting The Last Duel.
Known for being one of Victoria and David Beckham’s wedding locations, Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin placed joint fifth alongside Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s honeymoon destination, Ballyfin Demesne in Laois.
Dublin’s Vico Baths were also a popular destination in sixth after Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde were seen going for a brisk dip together ahead of one of his concerts in the capital.
Meanwhile, a few of Taylor Swift’s favourite Irish spots ranked high.
Taylor’s top choices
Portsalon Beach – also known as Magherawarden – wasn’t far behind in seventh. The location has since been one of Donegal’s hotspots to visit after the singer posted a picture that many locals instantly recognised.
Limerick’s Glin Castle – which Taylor rented out one Christmas for her and Joe Alywn – also made the top 12.
Sole Seafood & Grill restaurant in Dublin, previously visited by Harry Styles, secured tenth place.
TOP SPOTS LOVED BY CELEBS
Top 16 top-rated places loved by celebs in Ireland (index score created using figures from Google rating, Tripadvisor, and Instagram)
- Ashford Castle, Mayo (Pierce Brosnan)/Kilcar, Donegal (Sarah Jessica Parker)
- Galway City, Galway (Ed Sheeran)
- Phoenix Park, Dublin (Beyoncé and Jay-Z)
- Dalkey Island, Dublin (Lindsay Lohan and Matt Damon)
- Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin (Victoria and David Beckham)/Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Laois (Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West)
- Castlemartyr Resort, Cork (Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West)/Vico Bathing Place, Dublin (Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde)/Portsalon Beach, (Magherawarden), Donegal (Taylor Swift)
- Mullingar, Westmeath (Niall Horan)
- Three Fools, Cork City (Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom)
- Glin Castle, Limerick (Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn)
- Sole Seafood & Grill, Dublin (Harry Styles)
- Lettermacaward, Donegal (Christine Baranski)
- Schull Harbour Hotel, Cork (Paul Mescal)
