Dublin has been voted the friendliest city in Europe in a new poll of top tourist attractions.

The Irish capital scooped the top spot ahead of Edinburgh (2), Amsterdam (3), Liverpool (4), and Manchester (5).

Ireland topped a poll of 8,000 people in 16 countries including America, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and Britain.

Other cities which featured in the Top 20 included Rome, Barcelona, Paris and London.

Dublin, which welcomes more than 4 million foreign tourists a year, is renowned for its bustling bars, the world-renowned Grafton Street and museums and castles.

A spokesman for the online market research company www.OnePoll.com which commisioned the poll said: "Dublin is a worthy winner. It is a fantastic city, with a little bit of something for everyone.

"The locals are incredibly helpful, the bars are wonderful and the architecture in Merrion and Fitzwilliam squares is stunning.

"The new 'urban' centre, with its cobbled streets and hidden shops, and cafes is wonderful."