In a list which included Paris, France, Ladakh in India and Koh Kher, Cambodia, Waterford snaffled up the number 30 spot on the New York Times 2024 travel destinations.

Described as sparkling with history and natural treasures, the New York Times notes the city's "cobblestone core" and said that "the city, founded in 914, also sparkles with history and natural treasures".

Travel expert for the New York Times, AnneLise Sorensen also wrote about Waterford's "less-ancient attractions, including the new Irish Wake Museum, dedicated to the funeral ritual and the Irish Museum of Time, which showcases grandfather clocks, watches and more".

The Irish Museum of Time opened to visitors in 2021 and it is the fifth museum as part of the Waterford Treasures suite in Waterford.

Waterford was also recently included on the Conde Nast Traveller 'Best Places to go in 2024'.

Sorense also cited the charms outside of the Viking city including the copper coast and the Greenway, which received considerable work and renewal in 2023: "Waterford’s natural riches rival its historical ones, notably the Copper Coast, hemmed by towering cliffs and scalloped coves. The coast forms part of the Waterford Greenway, a nearly 30-mile path along a disused rail line".

To complete the Crystal county's trifecta of international awards this year, it was also named ‘European City of Christmas 2024' by the jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition late last year.

The city is “an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics”, said the jury, chaired by Danuta Hübner, a member of the European Parliament.

Last August, the New York Times highlighted  Co Donegal in the 52 destinations list, where the publication focused on Breac House as “a tiny inn that does it right”.

Waterford is not the only destination in Ireland to garner international attention this year however as Donegal was hailed by the Lonely Planet zeroed in on Donegal in its ‘Best in Travel 2024’, and  National Geographic Traveller singled out Belfast and the Wild Atlantic Way on its 'Cool List’ of destinations for the year.

Read the New York Times' full list ‘52 Places to go in 2024’ here.