Cork and Dublin have been named among the friendliest cities in Europe by the popular travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveller.
Cork claimed the number two spot on the list, as voted for by the influential magazine's readers.
“The port town is even more friendly than the capital, according to our readers,” the magazine said.
“This place has a big personality, an exciting culinary scene, plenty of coffee shops, galleries, museums, and an iconic food market.”
Meanwhile, Dublin trailed behind in third place on the European list.
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said:
“I am delighted that Cork has been named second friendliest city in Europe, in this year’s prestigious Condé Nast Traveller readers’ survey.
"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 Ireland such a great choice for a short break or holiday.
"These accolades by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine give Tourism Ireland another great platform to continue to promote Cork and Ireland around the world as a ‘must see’ destination.”
Curiously, Dublin actually fared better on the world rankings. The capital was the only Irish entry on the list of friendliest cities in the world, placing fourth.
“It will likely surprise hardly anybody that Dublin has made it into the list of friendliest cities in the world. The population here are famed for their warm spirit, and striking up an animated conversation with a stranger in a pub is almost as certain here as enjoying a freshly-pulled pint of Guinness. While you're here, walk in history's footsteps at Dublin Castle, pick up unique pieces on Grafton Street and check out the ever-changing exhibitions at the National Gallery of Ireland,” said Condé Nast.
The top 10 friendliest cities in the world, according to Condé Nast readers are:
- Calgardy, Canada
- Edmonton, Canada
- Victoria, Canada
- Dublin, Ireland
- Quebec City, Canada
- Malage, Spain
- Izmir, Turkey
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Mexico City, Mexico