"The British have rarely been complimentary about the Irish down the centuries. There have been the Irish jokes, insulting nicknames and the attitude that much that went on the neighbouring island was simply beyond the pale. Perhaps the greatest insult of all was that the Whigs called their political rivals Tories, after a type of 17th-century Irish rebel."

"The Irish have further reason to smile after claiming a place in the Lonely Planet list of the world's 10 best brewery headquarters, thanks to the St James's Gate building in Dublin, leased by Arthur Guinness in 1759. "If you don't know what it is that makes the Guinness brewery Ireland's number one visitor attraction, you must be under 18," the book says. "The syrupy black nectar is so good the Guinness executives are almost forgiven for touting a brewery tour that does not actually let you into where Guinness is brewed."

...Independent

"Most welcoming

Ireland
"A cautious optimism reigns supreme, infecting the land once again with the sense that anything's possible"

The USA
"They'll invariably welcome you and help you get the best out of the US, and all they ask in return is for you to leave your shoe bomb at home"

Malawi
"The friendliest people in Africa living in the warm heart of the continent"

Fiji
"Fijians have a rep for helping all travellers feel welcome, thereby allowing you to uncover the best from this sprawling group of islands. Just don't talk politics"

Indonesia
"They greet foreigners with open arms [but] if you travel to the beautiful island of Bali, leave the ecstasy at home"

"Centuries of turmoil, conquest, famine and subsequent immigration have certainly taken their toll on the Irish. It has left them with a deliciously dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers.

seems there is some positive sides to bad times ..)
delicate dark humor + welcoming the stranger = i am coming ....

Thank you Righty! My daughter is going to visit Ireland soon!

Land of Jameson and the wee people.Just don't mess with their pot of gold.Lovely place,was there a long time ago.Irish wool sweaters and Keith Richards can survive anything.

I want to live there.

does n e one else see the irony, lonely planet :friendliest countries.
how many irish are here ?(on clipmarks)
If you consider yourself irish just make it known

Irish and Proud.

I am just deciding where to go on holiday and Ireland was near the top of my list. Since I am travelling on my own, a visit to the friendliest country in the world sounds very appealing, quite apart from the fact that I have Irish forbears. Thanks for the clip, i guess I'll be seeing ireland shortly!

Great. Scotland is very close by. The last official king of Ireland was Scottish. If you have a choice of only one, then Ireland is your best bet.