'We live in the friendliest town in the UK - here's why people are so nice'

01 May 2023 , 23:01

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Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland has featured in a list of the UK's top 10 most welcoming towns (Image: Getty Images/Design Pics RF)

Locals in one of the UK's 'friendliest towns' have shared the secrets of why their town has featured in the top 10 of a nationwide poll once again.

Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland placed fourth in this year's Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, which calculates the most welcoming places in the world based on how many highly rated accommodation partners they have on the site.

It had come first every time for the three years before that - but the town was clearly friendly enough to let someone else take the top spot this time.

Kirkwall in Scotland was instead given the crown this year, while Newcastle and Newry in County Down came second and third respectively.

The town placed fourth in this year's Booking.com Traveller Review Awards after winning a number of times before (Shutterstock / Lukassek)

Enniskillen natives have previously spoken out about why their town keeps receiving these accolades, with its laid back atmosphere leading locals to joke about the phenomenon of "Fermanagh time" in reference to a sense that time moves slowly in the county.

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One butcher in the town said this means people take more time out of their day to relax, while a local businessman told UTV that the "lakes and the lovely eateries and the hotels" helped residents and visitors alike enjoy their time there.

People are also more open to speak to others and ask about their day, according to Noelle McAloon, the Enniskillen BID Manager, who said: "Even on a wet day, you will find that people are sitting, stopping, catching up and just finding out what their neighbours are doing and what the visitors are thinking about the town.

"We have always enjoyed so many staycationers and visitors and they all comment on how friendly we are"

Locals have joked about "Fermanagh time" in reference to a sense that time moves slowly in the county (Shutterstock / Lukassek)

Speaking after Enniskillen's win in 2022, Booking.com said: "Located almost exactly in the centre of Northern Ireland, Enniskillen is rich in history and surrounded with picturesque scenery, watersides and natural beauty.

"Serving as the ideal base to explore the wonderful charm of County Fermanagh, guests will not be disappointed by the range of places to visit and experience.

"From the many impressive castles and museums to tasteful galleries and cosy cafes, you will be able to sense Enniskillen’s unique character and special atmosphere everywhere you go."

Most Welcoming Destinations in the UK for 2023 according to Booking.com:

1. Kirkwall, Scotland
2. Newcastle, County Down
3. Newry, County Down
4. Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
5. Pitlochry, Perthshire
6. Ballycastle, County Antrim
7. Glastonbury, Somerset
8. Stamford, Lincolnshire
9. Frome, Somerset
10. Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas