The turn of the calendar year tends to give us all permission to dream big with lofty goals.
Local gyms worldwide fill up through January, and by February, many of our newfound goals dissipate with every step on the StairMaster.
Some of us, however, stick to the script. That’s the case for one Irish city that most of us have likely never heard of.
As you surely know, Dublin is the most popular destination in Ireland. To say you’re going to dethrone the tourism king of your country is a classic ‘David vs. Goliath’ tale in the making.
Roughly half an hour from Dublin’s busy streets lies the laid-back coastal city of Balbriggan set along the scenic Muir Éireann (the Irish Sea).
Big money has been poured into the city with gargantuan dreams, hoping to not only earn a seat at the table with Ireland’s many captivating destinations but also to take on the title of Ireland’s 2025 top travel hotspot.
A Rapidly Growing City Ready To Boom!
Balbriggan is one of Ireland’s youngest and fastest-growing cities, so its old-town charm is no match for the screen-swiping era of locals looking to makeover this underrated city.
There’s no doubting Balbriggan’s beauty, but tourists want to do more than simply gawk at the beautiful shores.
According to the Irish Star, nearly $28 million has been contributed to revamp the city into becoming a major hub for visitors both domestically and abroad.
$15 million of those funds have been dedicated to attract more visitors to the scenic waterfront.
The Balbriggan Harbour is getting its glow-up and set to be one of the city’s anchors for tourism.
The newly designed district will include a multi-purpose plaza and spacious city park, which will be used to host lively events such as festivals and markets.
While no official word has mentioned hotels specifically, this region will likely build upon its success to continue attracting visitors.
There have been talks of new facilities, including boathouses, so there may be more fun boat tours to explore the Irish Sea in the future!
A Mix Of Old & New
Locals have voiced their support to rebrand their beloved city with the main focus being the Harbour and Quay Street, a historic boulevard deeply rooted in the town fishing industry and just so happens to neighbor one of the city’s top luxury hotels, the 4-star Bracken Court Hotel.
The latest happenings will transform both sides of the Harbour’s viaduct and upwards of Quay Street, making Balbriggan’s beautiful beaches all the more enticing to visit.
That being said, not everything in Balbriggan will be shiny and new.
You can expect the same Irish charm you find in Dublin and various smaller towns dotting the country right here in Balbriggan.
Better yet, if you plan on visiting Dublin anytime soon, you can get a sneak peek of Balbriggan’s transformation, as visiting is an easy hour-long train ride away.
With most projects expected to be completed by “late 2025”, there’s never a bad time to see the city’s more traditional side.
As you might expect, Balbriggan is home to incredibly preserved castles. It is Ireland after all!
You can enjoy the astounding sites of the centuries-old Ardgillan Castle and Demesne with guided tours for only $5.50.
And since you’re not breaking the bank, what better way to visit Balbriggan than to grab a pint at a local pub?
Man O’War dates back to 1595 and is still going strong serving up the best local grub and brews.
Tip: Check Bremore Castle Food & Craft Market’s social media pages for frequent events at one of the most photo-worthy backdrops in Balbriggan.
Balbriggan’s Beautiful Beaches
Since 2025 is the goal, you might as well plan ahead for Ireland’s beach season next year. While it’s too nippy in fall and winter, don’t get lost in the hype of the city’s latest upgrades; the beaches are gorgeous!
Balbriggan Beach is the main beach, but others, such as King’s Strand and Hampton Cove, are also well worth a visit.
The top hidden gem, however, may be Lady’s Stairs, tucked away behind Ardgillan Castle and Demesne, so you can knock out two of the best attractions in one place.
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