The real issue capital now has a new accolade to boast following an extensive monitoring of culture and creativity in European cities.

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, congratulated Cork, Dublin and Galway on being named amongst the best cities in Europe for cultural vibrancy and cultural infrastructure in a special European Report launched in Brussels.

Cork was listed as the most culturally vibrant city ahead of Paris, Florence, Lisbon and Copenhagen and was listed fourth in the top five 'Cultural and Creative Cities' within its population group (small to medium). Dublin was listed as the fifth best city in the same category within its population group (XL cities) and Galway also scored highly, coming in fourth in the top five cities in the Enabling Environment category.