The Gathering festival has landed Ireland in the top 25 places to visit on a prestigious list compiled by renowned travel guide Fodors.

The Irish Examiner reports that the latest Fodor’s Guide urges readers to visit Ireland in 2013.
Now in its third year, the well regarded list features rising destinations, hot cities and significant events.

The Gathering homecoming festival has catapulted Ireland onto the list along with England, Marseilles in France and far flung destinations like Easter Island and Burma.

The report says that Fodor’s Travel specifically highlights The Gathering as a reason for travellers to come to Ireland next year.

It says: “Throughout 2013, Ireland will host events, festivals, and reunions in honour of the more than 70 million people worldwide who claim Irish heritage.

“The Gathering welcomes those with Irish roots back to their ancestral homeland to reconnect with the country’s lush landscapes and vibrant cultures.

“Visitors can track their genealogies, explore the villages of their forebears, and mingle with current residents. More than just a celebration for those with Irish blood, The Gathering offers music festivals, pub crawls, and public gatherings in all corners of the country for those who are Irish in spirit as well.”

Tourism Ireland boss Niall Gibbons believes the accolade will boost numbers attending The Gathering.

Gibbons said: “The Gathering will fully capitalise on the opportunity to promote Ireland across the world.

“This accolade couldn’t have come at a better time as we get ready to kick off our year-long celebration of all things Irish, with The Gathering Ireland 2013.

“The high-profile listing in Fodor’s Travel ‘Go List’ of the top 25 places to visit in 2013 provides Tourism Ireland with yet another opportunity to promote Ireland as a ‘must see’ destination in our promotional activities across the world.

“We intend to fully capitalise on the opportunities this accolade presents throughout 2013 and beyond.”