Rebels swell with pride as travel bible hails 'crackling' Cork
WHEN the global travel bible 'Lonely Planet' names any city as a must-see destination, it usually results in a surge of hometown pride and increased visitor numbers.
So Dublin noses were firmly out of joint yesterday when Cork, long regarded by its natives as 'the real capital', was named in the guidebook's top 10 of the world's 'hot places' to visit next year.
While regular critics of Dublin bemoan litter and anti-social behaviour among its ills, 'Lonely Planet' has singled out Cork as one of the must-see destinations next year.
The city was chosen for inclusion in the new book 'Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2010' with the authors painting a remarkably upbeat portrait of a vibrant city.
"Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit," said the new 'Lonely Planet' publication.
The book also says of Cork: "Its city centre crackles with youthful energy. That's thanks in large part to award-winning University College Cork, which each year pumps out new graduates -- and therefore new life, enthusiasm and ideas -- into the city."
'Lonely Planet' Travel Editor Tom Hall acknowledged the rise of Cork as a destination city in its own right.
He said: "Cork has been in Dublin's shadows for far too long, it has emerged as a fantastic destination in its own right with great restaurants, galleries, bars and shops as well as stunning scenery on its doorstep."
Also included in the top 10 are Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Charleston, US; Cuenca, Ecuador; Istanbul, Turkey; Kyoto, Japan; Lecce, Italy; Sarajevo, Bosnia; Singapore and Vancouver, Canada.
The designation of Cork as a desirable place for a weekend city break could boost business from Britain in particular, traditionally our largest tourist market but one which has been hit hard in the downturn.
Junior Minister Billy Kelleher said that Cork had worked hard to re-invent itself over the past 20 years -- and its new-look city centre and river-friendly developments were starting to pay dividends.
"If a travel guide like 'Lonely Planet' can recognise that fact then we must be doing something right," he said.
Business leaders claimed the recognition built on the foundations laid by the European Capital of Culture status in 2005 and the redevelopment of Patrick Street, the city centre and the quays. Cork's Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy also welcomed the news.
Confidence
Record numbers at both the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and Corona Cork Film Festival boosted visitor numbers and with new air routes planned from Cork Airport and the Swansea-Cork ferry service about to re-start, confidence is high.
Lonely Planet said it considered a wide variety of factors in preparing its recommended list of places for travellers in 2010 -- and Cork fully merited its place in the Top 10.
"This is a collection of destinations and experiences that we rate as the stuff people really should consider for next year. Whatever your own style dictates, you should be able to find inspiration in these destinations," Lonely Planet's Adam Bennett said.
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
