Travel site users vote Ireland in their top 20 most beautiful countries

Ireland has been officially voted among the top twenty most beautiful countries in the world.

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Rough Guides, publishers of travel guidebooks and e-books for different places around the world, asked readers to vote on what they thought was the most beautiful country in the world.

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Ireland was voted as the 18th most beautiful country in the world, beating out Vietnam and Croatia.

Of Ireland, Rough Guides says: “Among the romantic preconceptions visitors bring to Ireland, it is their expectations of the landscape that are most likely to be fulfilled.”

“Green fields and moss-covered walls that seem impossibly vibrant, quiet lakes and hilltop walks that will clear the cobwebs from the foggiest mind, Ireland has outdoor appeal in spades – just remember to bring a raincoat!”

The cliff walk at Howth Head (Ireland's Content Pool)

The cliff walk at Howth Head (Ireland's Content Pool)

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Ireland’s capital city of Dublin, as well as the ever-picturesque Sligo,  get special shoutouts: “Locally owned businesses in towns like Sligo make for a charming high street wander, while these days Dublin can compete with the best European cities.”

Sligo (Ireland's Content Pool)

Sligo (Ireland's Content Pool)

Rough Guides points to Ireland’s mythological traditions, literature, traditional music, and historic sites among the top reasons to visit.

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Ultimately, Rough Guide readers voted Ireland’s neighbor Scotland as the most beautiful country in the world.

Are you planning a trip to Ireland? Let us know in the comments!