GDS Index: The Island Of Ireland Leads The Way As A Global Sustainable Destination
The island of Ireland has once again proven its commitment to sustainability, with seven destinations featured in the Top 40 of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). This milestone reflects the island’s growing leadership in regenerative tourism and event management, climate action, and community-driven sustainability.
What Is The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI)?
The GDSI is a leading benchmarking tool that evaluates and accelerates sustainability in cities and regions through tourism and events. It helps destination management organisations and local authorities improve their environmental, social, and economic strategies.
What Are The Leading Sustainable Destinations On The Island Of Ireland?
According to this year’s GDSI rankings, here are the following cities in the Top 40:
Belfast
2025 Ranking: 9 2025 Score: 84%
In this year’s index, Belfast has come in at nine once again with an increase in score at 84%. Belfast can be commended on how climate policy has been translated into action on the ground. Belfast is 80% of the way to completing its climate action goal by 2030. All venues in Belfast are certified and 77% of hotel rooms too. Belfast’s “Changing the Menu. For Good” programme invites business events industry to support local food banks and homeless charities. The new Embrace the Inclusive Spirit programme will be something to watch for next year’s rankings.
Kerry
2025 Ranking: 12 2025 Score: 82.8%
Kerry achieved first position globally in their category, based on population size and it is their seventh consecutive year in the top 20, climbing seven places in 2025 to 12. All Kerry event venues have been certified and 67% of hotel rooms too. Kerry has been excelling in its collaborative mindset and emphasis in leaving a positive impact and legacy through their events. This is supported by the push in regenerative teaching and thinking at MTU Kerry, The Killarney Coffee Cup Project and recognition as an Autism Friendly Community, The Tralee Cup to Earth project, Dingle Peninsula’s Sustainability Charter and many more initiatives. It goes to show that Kerry is leading the way in becoming a more sustainable and inclusive destination and always shines in their collaborative ways.
Cork
2025 Ranking: 18 2025 Score: 80.08%
Cork has jumped three places in this year’s ranking to 12, from a score of 77% to 82.8%. Visit Cork, Pure Cork and Cork Convention Bureau have been delivering wonderful supports and resources for their regional industry, to drive the sustainability agenda and guide businesses on their sustainability journey. This year they launched their first sustainability conference and community engagement and stakeholder sustainability guide to further spread the message and importance of sustainability.
Dublin
2025 Ranking: 19 2025 Score: 80.05%
After holding the title of the European Smart Tourism Capital, Dublin has implemented, (and continues to) many sustainability measures which is seen through its increase in score from 75.69% to 80.05% out of 100. All venues in Dublin are certified, 75% of hotel rooms too and it has so far reached 80% of its 2030 targets. With Dublin joining the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Programme, it will be exciting to see its sustainability growth in 2026.
Clare
2025 Ranking: 26 2025 Score: 77.24%
After earning the incredible achievement of becoming Ireland’s first internationally certified sustainable destination with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), it is no wonder Clare has jumped in rankings to 26. Clare, a rural destination, is leading ahead in the Irish pack amongst many urban cities that would generally be more connected through public transport, for example. Through its certification journey, a county-wide Green Team has been formed connecting the many inspirational bodies such as the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Loophead Tourism, Visit Clare and the Burren Ecotourism Network.
Galway
2025 Ranking: 29 2025 Score: 76.84%
In Galway, all venues have been sustainability certified as well as 84% of Galway hotel rooms and 60% of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). Galway is over half way towards achieving its 2030 carbon reduction goals. With the launch of the Climate Inspirations-Communities in Action Festival, the inspiring research coming out of the University of Galway and more opportunities such as the 56 Galway sustainability projects having received SSE Airtricity awards, we will be seeing more and more positive impact and growth come out of both the city and county in the year to come.
Limerick
2025 Ranking: 38 2025 Score: 71.34%
In Limerick, all venues have been sustainability certified as well as 48% of Limerick hotel rooms and 67% of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). There are some exciting initiatives which make 2026 already a promising year, such as the installation of GKinetics Energy hydrokinetic turbines, Limerick 2030 upcoming projects, and Limerick’s ‘Twin City’ status in the European NetZeroCities project. We are looking forward to learning more about this at our upcoming Sustainability in Action Networking Roadshow.
What’s Driving Ireland’s Sustainability Success?
1. Destination-Level Action Plans
Each destination has embraced sustainability through tailored strategies. For example, Belfast’s Resilience Strategy aims for a zero-emissions economy, while Kerry’s THRIVE schemes and Killarney 2030 plan focus on inclusive, community-led development.
2. Certification & Standards
Venues like ICC Belfast have achieved ISO 20121 certification, and Cork has launched its Green Award to recognise local tourism businesses.
3. Community Engagement
From Taplin’s Gardens in the heart of Dublin city to the Burren Beo Trust in Galway, local communities are actively shaping sustainable experiences.
4. Events & Education
Ireland hosted multiple sustainability-focused events, including the Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference in Clare and the Visit Cork Sustainability Conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. There is also more emphasis on how to raise awareness of sustainability and climate action through education and action in the MICE sector. Such was seen at the international conference EUGEO 2019 (Association of Geography Societies in Europe) for its sustainability efforts and the ‘WONCA World Rural Health Conference 2022,’ at the University of Limerick, commended for its social impact and legacy.
Why This Matters
The GDS-Index is more than a ranking – it’s a roadmap for destinations to improve across environmental, social, supplier, and destination management criteria. Ireland’s strong showing reflects not just ambition, but real progress in embedding sustainability into tourism and events.
As the GDS-Index evolves with tougher criteria – including regenerative tourism and circular economy practices – Irish destinations are rising to the challenge, proving that small cities and counties can lead on the global stage
Learn more about the GDS-Index and the full results of the Top 40 Sustainable Cities on the Global Destination Sustainability Movement website here.
Check out our own upcoming inspiring sustainability conference and grab yourself an early bird discount rate while you can here.
