A CITY not far from the UK has been named a top destination to visit in 2025 – and there are big plans there for tourists.
Cork made the top 25 destinations named by National Geographic as places to visit next year.
The Irish city is easy to get to – flights from the UK take just over an hour from both London and regional airports such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
It was also once the the home city of actor Cillian Murphy, Jonathon Rhys Meyers and Graham Norton.
And the city has revealed its huge five-year tourist plan to encourage more people to visit.
One of those is a new Cork lido, with the 50m heated outdoor swimming pool currently in plans.
Blarney Castle’s gardens will be revamped, with hopes to reopen the 600-year-old Barryscourt Castle to the public.
Roches Point Lighthouse also want reopen, while accommodation could open at Ballycotton Lighthouse.
Spike Island – dubbed Ireland‘s Alcatraz – could get more ferry routes,
Coastal pathways, a visitor attraction at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, festivals and and outdoor spaces at the Docklands are also included in the plans.
More hotels, cultural areas and food experiences to make it the country’s food capital have also been mentioned.
Aileen Murray and Derry Cronin, Cork City, Harbour and East Cork DEDP co-chairs said:”This plan sets out the actions, priorities and future investment for the area, by focusing on increasing the value of tourism, growing the appeal of the destination and increasing visitor spend.
“The actions within this plan will ultimately strengthen the local communities living in these areas.”
The Irish Sun’s Roisin Phelan went to Cobh herself and explained why its such a top destination.
She wrote: “Once called Queenstown, hundreds of people were saved off the coast after the ship Lusitania bound for Liverpool was torpedoed by a German submarine.
“The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the centre of Cobh, in the original White Star Line ticket office, where hundreds of people bought their tickets for the ship in 1912.
“For something more lighthearted, visitors can enjoy a walk down the promenade and a glance at all the colourful buildings of the town.
“You can sometimes even spot dolphins swimming in pods through the harbour.”
Make sure to catch the Dursey Island Cable Car too, when in Cork.
And if staying, there is the fancy The Address, with the hotel dating back to 1872 when used as a military hospital, or a new Premier Inn and Moxy which both opened this year.
Also in Cork is Kinsale, dubbed the Irish Riviera with multicoloured houses that look like Italy.
Or there is the small seaside town of Youghal with soft white sand.
