Brian Cody and his men aren’t the main draw anymore…
None of us will need any further convincing that Ireland possesses absolutely beautiful landscapes, culture and heritage, but we’re far too humble to praise our own virtues.
We’ll leave that to the esteemed travel journal Lonely Planet, because once again, Ireland has been ranked in their top 10 list of countries to visit next year.
We ranked fifth in their ‘must-see’ list of countries for jet-setters after being described as “stunningly scenic” by the highly respected journal.
It’s nice to read the following complimentary words which will hopefully provide a boost to Irish tourism, “(Ireland) is the real deal… its traditions – music, dance, whiskey and beer – [are] firmly intact, and the cosmopolitan, contemporary Irish are just as friendly and welcoming as their forebears were known to be.”
“The Irish themselves are inevitably at the heart of the best the country has to offer. Attend a traditional music session in a small pub in County Clare.
“Hook up with a walking club and do a little cross-country ambling on a soft Sunday afternoon. Go surfing at Rossnowlagh Beach in County Donegal. Or just strike up a conversation over a pint with the gang sitting next to you in the pub.”
We fully agree.
Singapore is in top spot while Namibia, Lithuania, Nicaragua and ourselves complete the top 5.
There’s another reason to be happy because the Smithwick’s brewery in Kilkenny was also named by the same journal as one of the worlds hottest new attractions to see.
The €3.5 million attraction proudly takes its place alongside Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a list of 26 new attractions that the esteemed journal.
JOE would rather have a pint of Smithwicks than a pretend magical broom any day of the week.
Well done to all involved and here’s hoping for a successful 2015 for Irish tourism.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
