The ‘most cherished places in Ireland’ have been revealed by a professional body for town planners.
The public will now vote from a shortlist of ten to find Ireland’s most cherished spot.
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) represents town planners in both Ireland and the UK and have come up with a shortlist of their favourite Irish hotspots.
The top 10 includes a variety of different experiences from bustling city centres to countryside drives, from scenic villages to stunning landmarks.
Marion Chalmers, chair of RTPI Ireland said: “The competition has reminded us of the passion we have for places we love.
“The finalists, places clearly loved by the public, have been protected, carefully planned or improved by the planning system.”
Here is the top 10 shortlist.
• Abbeyleix, Co Laois;
• Cobh, Co Cork;
• Cork city centre;
• Dingle, Co Kerry;
• Grand Canal Square in Dublin;
• Great Western Greenway, Co Mayo;
• Greystones, Co Wicklow;
• Kilkenny city centre;
• Lough Boora Parklands, Co Offaly
• Tully Cross, Co Galway
It will be a great honour for which ever place is able to pick up the title following the public vote,
Tully Cross is a beautiful coastal village just over 50 miles from Galway. It is a part of the hugely popular ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and features nine thatched cottages and a village square.
It is overlooked by a church with stained glass windows by renowned artist Harry Clarke.
Colin Coyne runs Paddy’s Pub in Tully Cross. The pub belonged to his grandfather and is described as the ‘last pub before Manhatten’. Coyne said that the village is ‘a little gem’.
He added: “It’s local. It’s friendly and when you find it, you know we’re here.”
Tully Cross will have serious competition from Dingle in Co Kerry. Dingle is a picturesque fishing village with many popular hiking trails.
It also has beautiful beaches and is home to Fungie the bottlenose dolphin who is hugely popular with both locals and tourists.
Local farmer and councillor Seamus Fitzgerald told the Irish Independent: “Dingle has a magic to it that I just can’t describe. I suppose it’s the scenery, the mountains and the ocean. It’s like an island.
“There’s great spirit and a real ‘can-do’ attitude. It also has the best pubs in the world.”
The RTPI agree, saying: “Planners have made good use of the fishing village’s natural environment to enhance the place while respecting its historical architecture and community ethos.”
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling
