Ireland and Scotland most friendly countries in the world, says Lonely Planet

According to the Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008, a collection of the top destinations around the world as voted by Lonely Planet authors and independent travellers, Ireland is the world's friendliest travel destination.

Seriously: Ireland is the world's friendliest country. Or so say travel guide publishers Lonely Planet.

According to the Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008, a collection of the top destinations around the world as voted by Lonely Planet authors and independent travellers, Ireland is the world's friendliest travel destination.

The Bluelist 2008 says Irish people have a dark sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers.

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

Scotland also managed to get into the Lonely Planet Bluelist of top-ten friendly nations.

As with the Irish, Lonely Planet travellers thought the Scots had a dark, unique sense of humour.

"The Scots have survived English invasion, brutal weather and the pain of having the world's worst goalkeepers. This fighting spirit against insurmountable odds has left them with an extroverted, buoyant demeanour and a blackly humorous nationalism; you'd want to see the funny side after witnessing some of those goalies."