Cork leads the way as 45 towns, villages vie for prestigious tourism award

Fáilte Ireland has confirmed the 45 locations around the country which are in the running for the 2013 Tourism Towns Award.

Cork, with nine towns and villages including Cobh, Kinsale, and Clonakilty, has the highest number of places hoping to secure the top prize in a competition which is in its second year.

According to Fáilte Ireland, the award is designed to recognise Irish towns and villages where the local community goes the extra mile to enhance their appeal to tourists.