Failte Ireland, the country’s National Tourism Development Authority, has announced the 10 cities that are up for their award honoring Ireland's best tourism town. The award acknowledges the villages that have gone above and beyond to make the country that much more alluring to tourists. "Tourism isn't just a business, it's a community industry and that's why the whole community has a role in supporting tourism," said Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism.

This year’s nominees are Cobh, Co Cork; Drogheda, Co Louth; Ennis, Co Clare; Kenmare and Tralee, Co Kerry; Kilkenny town and Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Last year's winner was Portmagee in Co Kerry, and this year's will be announced within the week. Failte Ireland has also set up another tourism effort called The Gathering initiative. It aims at bring back the Irish diaspora (emigrants and decedents now living in Great Britain, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and Europe), for local events throughout the year to reconnect with friends, family and the rich culture.