Ireland 'friendliest country in the world'

Ireland is the world's friendliest country, according to the Lonely Planet travel guide.

Authors of Lonely Planet's Bluelist 2008 said they found the Irish had a welcoming nature and a dark sense of humour.

Scotland also made it into the top ten thanks to the fighting spirit and extroverted, buoyant demeanour of its nationals.

The Bluelist guide offers travellers the best for the coming year including the world's hottest trends, destinations, journeys, and experiences from around the world.

The book's take on Ireland states: "Centuries of turmoil, conquest and famine - and subsequent immigration - have certainly taken their toll on the Irish; it's left them with a deliciously dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers.

"The famous ability of the Irish to find craic (fun times with convivial company) in boom or bust times - means you're always in for a treat."

It adds: "These days after the end of the Troubles, a cautious optimism reigns supreme, infecting the land once again with the feeling that anything's possible."

Ireland also gets a mention in the Lonely Planet's best brews section which ranks Guinness as one of the top ten in the world.

Describing the stout as a syrupy, black nectar, it praises the Guinness Storehouse as Ireland's number one tourist attraction touting itself as a brewery tour without letting visitors in to see the magical process take place.

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