It is what we always knew, but now it is official - Galway is one of the most friendly cities in the world.
According to readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine, the City of the Tribes is the fifth friendliest in the world. The only down side is that we were pipped by rival rebels from Cork who were third, while the capital Dublin made it a hat-trick for Ireland in the top 10, in eighth place.
No 1 for friendliness went to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, a world heritage site discovered by artists, which has received several accolades in the past year, while fellow Mexico city Puebla, fourth-largest city in Mexico, was sixth. Others to make the top 10 were New Zealand's adrenalin capital Queenstown, and Australia's cultural city Adelaide.
Every year, Condé Nast Traveller asks its readers to decide on their favourite cities around the globe in its Readers Choice Awards survey.
Comments about Galway included: “The town itself is so charming, you might find yourself sticking close to the cobblestoned streets and ancient architecture for at least a day or two. Readers were particularly struck by the locals, who ‘instantly make you feel welcomed’."
Galway's inclusion has been welcomed by the Mayor of Galway, Niall McNelis.
"This is one of the largest luxury travel magazines and is aimed at independent travellers," he said. "Readers who nominated Galway were particularly struck by the locals, who 'instantly make you feel welcomed'. We know we are the friendliest city to visit, but it's nice to be acknowledged from a world class provider in the tourist trade and everything helps to promote this fun city."
Welcoming the news, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, was delighted to see three Irish cities in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller survey of friendly cities around the globe.
"It is another well-deserved accolade for Cork, Galway and Dublin. 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 Traveller magazine gives Tourism Ireland another great platform to continue to promote our cities and Ireland around the world as a ‘must see’ destination.”
The top ten friendliest cities, according to the 2018 Condé Nast Traveller survey, are:
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
3. Cork
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
5. Galway
6. Puebla, Mexico
7. Adelaide, Australia
8. Dublin
9. Victoria, BC, Canada
10. Chiang Mai, Thailand
