Two Irish cities voted among top six friendliest in the world
Two Irish cities – Dublin and Galway – have made it into the top six friendliest cities in the world in a major US travel magazine.
The annual reader survey of Condé Nast Traveler magazine saw Dublin in third position, with Galway coming in sixth place.
Every year, the magazine asks its readers to weigh in on their favourite cities around the globe, in its World’s Best Awards – its annual reader survey which rates destinations and travel providers.
The magazine has unveiled the results of its 2016 survey – taken by some 128,000 readers – including its list of the world’s friendliest cities, where readers felt most welcome.
"I am delighted to see two of our cities appear once again in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler survey of friendly cities around the globe," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.
"It is another well-deserved accolade for Dublin and Galway.
"Again and again, our research shows us that the friendliness of our people is one of our unique selling points.
"It is the warm welcome and the ‘craic’ here that resonates with our overseas visitors and makes our cities, and the island of Ireland, such a great choice for a short break or holiday.
"This accolade by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine gives Tourism Ireland another great platform to continue to promote our cities and Ireland around the world as a ‘must see’ destination."
Comments from readers about Galway included: “Just look at this city – it's hard not to be charmed. On Ireland's west coast, Galway enchanted our readers with the "live music in the pubs and in the street, the food," and, of course, the vibe. One reader, in all caps, said (or maybe shouted?), "THESE ARE THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.”
This is what readers had to say about Dublin: "The people make the place" here, with "pubs and restaurants filled with locals and tourists alike, coming together to celebrate life." ("I've never been somewhere with friendlier drinkers.") "The Irish are so much fun," and "there's always a smiling face to talk to." "We had best recommendations on where to go and what to see from the locals… better than any guide book." In short (and again, in caps): "LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IRELAND. THE PEOPLE ARE THE NICEST IN THE WORLD."
The top ten friendliest cities, according to survey, are:
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Dublin
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
5. Park City, Utah
6. Galway
7. Savannagh, Georgia
8. Kraków, Poland
9. Bruges, Belgium
10. Nashville, Tennessee
