Condé Nast Traveler, the luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, has released its 2016 list of the friendliest cities in the world, with Dublin and Galway making it into the top 10 at number three and six respectively.
The list, which was voted on by 128,000 of its readers in 2015, takes into account factors such as whether a local person showed you the way somewhere, and whether or not the city is easy to navigate.
One reader described Galwegians as being "the friendliest people I have ever met" and being enchanted with the "live music in the pubs and in the street, the food, and the vibe". Readers had a similar feeling towards Dublin, saying that "the people make the place" and the "pubs and restaurants [are] filled with locals and tourists alike, coming together to celebrate life. The Irish are so much fun."
Other entries on the list included Bruges, Krakow, Sydney, with Charleston in South Carolina being crowned the friendliest, described by one reader as having "the charm of the South, the sophistication of the city, and a warmth and friendliness that is unmatched."
As for the unfriendliest cities in the world, it seems readers of Condé Nast Traveler wont be returning to Oakland California, Tijuana or Newark in New Jersey any time soon, with the latter being described as "one of the saddest looking cities I've ever seen" by one reader.
In response to this news, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "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."
