Tourist and traveller guide Lonely Planet put us at number five on its 2015 must-see destinations with a overview of festivals and culture designed to “separate blarney from the bumkum”.
*www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/lonely-planet-names-ireland-as-one-of-the-top-countries-to-visit-1.1971225
The top billing gives a glowing review of Ireland as the “real deal”.
The 1,500km Wild Atlantic Way is described as a scenic drive which is being sold as a rival to California’s Pacific Coast Highway and Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
www.discoverireland.ie & www.ireland.com/en-gb/wild-atlantic-way/
“It snakes its way round every nook and crook of the western seaboard from Donegal to Cork – start your journey with a feast of crab claws in Inishowen and reward your endeavours with some smoked salmon in Kinsale,” it says.
“Along the way, explore Connemara, the Aran Islands, the music bars of Co Clare and the scenic splendours of Co Kerry. Go west.”
Travel writer Fionn Davenport penned the review for Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015.
In it he says the economy remains the big talking point, and finding who should be blamed for the meltdown.
“As the country reels from five years of body blows, it’s trying to figure out why, how and, especially, who,” he says.
Lonely Planet said the selected countries and cities were picked because there is something special next year to draw travellers or a recent development or buzz about the place, or because Lonely Planet regards it as up-and-coming and urges travellers to get there before the crowds.
It says: “Ireland is stunningly scenic, its traditions – music, dance, whiskey and beer – firmly intact and the cosmopolitan, contemporary Irish are just as friendly and welcoming as their forebears were known to be.”
Among the highlights singled out are the St Patrick’s Day Festival, any time in the summer in Galway, All-Ireland finals and the Ennis Trad Festival.
But it also reserves a special mention for “Ireland’s quirkiest festival” the Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co Kerry, where it says “a goat is crowned king and everybody drinks for three days”.
Other recommendations include surfing on Rossnowlagh beach in Donegal, a cross country walk “on a soft Sunday” or a pint and a chat in a local pub.
Lonely Planet again points to hospitality being the key to Ireland’s continued success on the tourism front.
“The Irish themselves are inevitably at the heart of the best the country has to offer,” it says.
Lonely Planet spokeswoman Noirin Hegarty added: “With the Wild Atlantic Way now fully open and a new sense of optimism surging through the country, 2015 really is the time to go to Ireland.
“The country’s stunning landscape and incredible hospitality are on par with the globe’s top tourist destinations. Ireland should be on everyone’s must-visit list.”
Ireland featured fifth on the list of top countries ahead of Republic of Congo, Serbia, The Philippines, St Lucia and Morocco.
Singapore took the top spot ahead of Namibia, Lithuania and Nicaragua.
English city Salisbury was recognised as being one of the best cities to visit next year as it celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.
Washington, DC takes the number one spot, followed by El Chalten in Argentina.
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About Tipperary Town: Gateway to the Galtee's, Tipperary town lies in the superb scenic surroundings of the 'Golden Vale' that is just 4 miles from the beautifully secluded Glen of Aherlow between the Galtee Mountains and the Slievenamuck Hills with magnificent panoramic views, ideal for hill walking and pony-trekking.
PHOTO ALBUM: Link: See Slideshow (Right)
The town itself is a 19th century market town that begun as an Anglo-Norman settlement - the motte and bailey built by the Normans can still be seen today. The town grew around a castle built by King John near the end of the 12th Century and is still a rich, lush agricultural area that is perfect for farming.
Architecturally, the town boasts some magnificent 19th Century buildings and more decorative work than anywhere else in the country, with a fine collection of well kept shop fronts, historic buildings and streetscapes.
The name of the town and county derives from the Irish 'Tiobraid Arann' meaning the 'Well of Ara' referring to the River Ara on which the town is built.
This ancient sacred well is now closed but it was located in Bridge St. just off the Main Street.
The town has a population of about 5,000 and is the most famous town the world over!
The town has long been linked with the song "It's a long way to Tipperary",
written by Jack Judge, it became a marching song in the first world war and sung by both sides during the great war. www.tipperarytown.ie/
Modern Tipperary however is now known for its efforts to promote peace and peaceful co-operation on a national and international stage through the work of Tipperary Peace Convention. The Tipperary International Peace Award lists world leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev and Bill Clinton amongst its many recipients while the Tipperary International Song of Peace title has been claimed by songwriters from England, U.S.A., Canada and Argentina.
Tipperary is a centrally located modern commuter town that is within easy reach of all major Irish cities, ports and airports by road, bus and rail. It is an ideal touring base for exploring the County as well as other adjoining counties in the west, midlands, south and south east of the country.
Friendly Welcome in Tipperary Town
Tipperary Family History Research is the only facility to offer a research service based on access to the Baptismal and Marriage records of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. The Archdiocese covers most of County Tipperary and part of County Limerick and it contains 46 Parishes.
Tipperary Family History Research also offer access to Memorial Records for World War I and can provide a search facility of this database. We can offer details on the regiment, rank, place and date of death of Irish Service Men and Women who fought and died in this war.
To request a search, please telephone +353 (0) 62 80555 or +353 (0) 80520 or log on to: www.tfhr.org
Tipperary Town is known as the home of the stranger and a friendly welcome awaits you there, explore our history and traditions and enjoy the hidden beauty of our region.
*UPDATE ADDITION:
Sliabh Liag, Co Donegal - the Lonely Planet cited the Wild Atlantic Way as a reason to visit Ireland
****
Ireland is one of the top ten countries in the world to visit in 2015, according to a new international travel guide.
The Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2015' says Ireland is "the real deal" with its stunning scenery and traditions still intact.
It also says the Irish remain as friendly and welcoming as ever.
A Lonely Planet spokesperson said: "With the Wild Atlantic Way now fully open and a new sense of optimism surging through the country, 2015 really is the time to go to Ireland."
Ireland came in fifth on the list.
Singapore took the top spot, followed by Namibia, Lithuania and Nicaragua.
Ireland is one of the top ten countries in the world to visit in 2015, according to a new international travel guide.
The Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2015' says Ireland is "the real deal" with its stunning scenery and traditions still intact.
It also says the Irish remain as friendly and welcoming as ever.
A Lonely Planet spokesperson said: "With the Wild Atlantic Way now fully open and a new sense of optimism surging through the country, 2015 really is the time to go to Ireland."
Ireland came in fifth on the list.
Singapore took the top spot, followed by Namibia, Lithuania and Nicaragua.
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