BBC Good Food Magazine has named Galway as its top destination for foodies in 2020. The city made it to the top of the annual list as it prepares to embark on a year-long European Capital of Culture 2020 programme, with food culture playing a major part of the planned events.
The top 10 destinations for foodies 2020, published this week, puts Galway ahead of Lyon, France; Los Cabos, Mexico; The Netherlands; Malta; Marrakesh, Morocco; Tel Aviv, Israel; Scotland; Porto; and Cadiz in Spain.
The magazine pointed to Galway’s role as ECOC 2020, as well as its designation in 2018 as Ireland’s first European Region of Gastronomy, among its many culinary attractions.
“So, while you’re feasting on this year’s stellar arts programme, save space for treats harvested from the epic landscapes surrounding Galway, a city at the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, from heather-grazed lamb to shellfish freshly-plucked from the coast and 52 adjacent islands,” the article in the latest edition of the magazine stated.
Aniar restaurant and the Irish breakfast served at The Quay House in Clifden, named Good Hotel Guide’s Irish B&B of the Year 2019, were also singled out for praise.
Cllr Niall McNelis, Labour’s spokesperson on tourism, welcomed this week’s news as another boost for the city’s cultural and culinary credentials.
“Galway has also been placed in the World Travel Magazine’s esteemed to watch out for,” Cllr McNelis said. “The magazine describes Galway as ‘Ireland’s prized city, a gem tucked in the Wild Atlantic Way that simmers’.
“These new acolades join the list that is growing of recognition for the city from other prominent travel websites and magazines.
“In October, the famed travel website Lonely Planet ranked Galway as one of the cities to visit for 2020, while the renowned travel website, Condé Nast Traveller, listed the city as one of its top 10 cities for the year ahead.”
