Westport recognised as best place to live in Ireland

The people of Westport, Co Mayo, are celebrating this morning after the town was named the best place to live in Ireland.

The competition, run by The Irish Times, pitted the town against Cork city, Rathmines in Dublin, Ardara in Donegal and Killarney, Co Kerry.

However, the panel were won over by Westport's scenic beauty, organised community and sustainability.

The chair of the judging panel and Features' Editor of the Irish Times, Conor Goodman, said the town's friendliness was key.