Ah sure we always knew we were great, but now Lonely Planet have confirmed it, at least for 2015.
Lonely Planet is one of the most influential and widely read resources for travel in the world, from their books to their website, and they released their highly anticipated top 10 list of countries to visit in 2015. Sitting pretty on that list at number five was our home country, and there was plenty of praise for us too as they ran through the reasons for coming to our shores.
They described Ireland as "stunningly scenic", adding that our traditions (music, dance, whiskey and beer) are still "firmly intact". While they did say that many will come expecting thatched cottages and sheep on the road, they pointed out that Ireland is now a thoroughly modern destination of "motorways and macchiatos" that might surprise more than a few.
The people (that's us!) also got a mention too, as they stated that "the Irish themselves are at the heart of the best the country has to offer", and that we were still incredibly "friendly and welcoming", which fits with the céad míle fáilte that we're known for.
Finally, one of the main reasons for visiting next year is that it's the year of the Wild Atlantic Way, "a 2500km scenic drive that snakes its way round every nook and crook of the western seaboard from Donegal to Cork", which will surely bring its fair share of tourists too. So everyone be on their best behaviour now next year, d'ya hear us? We've got guests coming round, will ya ever take your feet off the good couch for feck sake.
Via Lonely Planet
