Ireland is the place to visit says
new survey
 By Niamh
Hennessy
Ireland is one of the hotspots to visit in 2007 — with Galway being
voted one of the world’s sexiest cities.
According to a major international survey by internet giants MSN, Ireland
and the North of Ireland are included in their pick of the Top 10 Places
to Visit in 2007.
Ireland comes in top because of its extensive line-up of festivals such
as the Arts Festival and Film Fleadh in Galway.
And The North is hailed as a place to go for ‘wildlife and nightlife’,
with highlights including the Belfast Film Festival and the Giant’s
Causeway.
A spokesperson for the survey said: “In a sign that times really
are changing Northern Ireland. A place once known more for the Troubles
than tourism, is set to be a must-see destination of 2007 according to
the Lonely Planet travel guides.”
She added: “As well as the Giant’s Causeway and the grave
of St. Patrick at Downpatrick in Co. Down, the Belfast Film Festival and
the music at the Celtic Fusion Festival in Castlewellan, Co. Down are
also highlights.”
Galway city joins Liverpool in a list of 2007’s Sexiest Cities with
Helsinki and Bordeaux also making the list.
The survey said: “It may be relatively hidden away on the West Coast
of Ireland but hip travellers and the fashion pack alike are wising up
to the fact that Galway can give Dublin and Cork a run for their money
in the style stakes.”
The recently opened ‘g’ hotel, designed by Philip Treacy has
sparked a flurry of trendy visitors to the city according to the survey.
The ‘g’ has already won a European Hotel Design Award for
its Japanese-themed urban spa which is situated on the top two floors
of the five-star hotel.
The cost of a spa package consisting of two nights’ accommodation
in a deluxe room with full Irish breakfast — and a two-hour ESPA
Signature Experience — costs £248 per person for a two-night
stay.
Also included in the list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in 2007 is a yoga
retreat in Marrakech and a spot of elephant polo in Thailand.
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