Ireland has been ranked in the top five countries to visit in 2015 by travel bible 'Lonely Planet'.

"Ireland is stunningly scenic," according to 'Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2015', which is published this week. The list is an annual collection of trends, destinations and experiences for the year ahead. "It is the real deal... its traditions - music, dance, whiskey and beer - are firmly intact, and the cosmopolitan, contemporary Irish are just as friendly and welcoming as their forebears were known to be."

Hospitality is one of Ireland's "true" qualities, it says. "The Irish themselves are inevitably at the heart of the best the country has to offer. Attend a traditional music session in a small pub in Clare. Hook up with a walking club and do a little cross-country ambling on a soft Sunday afternoon."

The ranking by one of the most recognised and influential travel guides serves as a major boost to the Irish tourism sector and shows encouraging signs that Ireland still rates alongside other top global destinations for tourists.