IRELAND needs to draw more on its unique culture and traditions in order to continue to attract tourists from around the world. This is the verdict of the 9th edition of Lonely Planet's bestselling guidebook to Ireland, which was published last month.

According to he book: "Traditional Ireland is quickly disappearing… contemporary Ireland is not altogether different from any other European country, and you have to travel further to the margins of the country - the islands and the isolated rual communities - to find an older version of society."

The guide has a mixed opinion of the other face of Ireland and indeed some of it's cities. Speaking about Armagh: "Despite having a number of attractive Georgian buildings, the town has a bit of a dreary, run-down feel to it, with gap sites, wasteland and boarded-up windows spoiling the streetscape..."

The new guide includes a brand new eight page full colour section about Irish culture, which highlights the country's symbols and icons - such as the shamrock and Celtic cross - the landscape and the Irish's love affair with the pub: "It is the broadest window through which you can examine and experience the very essence of the nation's culture, in all its myriad forms."

The book also highlights some up -and-coming Tourist spots: "the overwhelming popularity of scenic superstars like Connemara and Kerry has seen the emergence of quieter idylls as the preferred destination of the discerning traveller, who has discovered he beauty of the lakes of Roscommon and the villages of Waterford, of rarely visited counties like Westmeath.

These are the areas where you can come into contact with a more genuine Ireland, the kind removed from the slick machinery of the tourist trail."

The new edition doesn't pull punches and contains the trademark honesty and pinion Lonely Planet is renowned for. Praise is lavished on Belfast, with the book advising: "Get here early and enjoy it before the rest of the world arrives," and Derry, which it says: "comes as a pleasant surprise to many visitors."

Cork, which was recently highlighted as one of the World's Top 10 Cities to visit in 210, also fares well: "The city has much to recommend: great restaurants fed by a solid foodie scene, a walkable centre surrounded by interesting waterways, and a location that is close to the tourist mecca of the Irish west coast… The best of the city is still happily traditional."

Only open 15 months ago, the Westville Holtel in Enniskillen has recieved superb independent acknowledgement from the guide, describing it as "A dash of style arrived on Enniskillen's rather staid accommodation scene with the opening of the Westville in 2008. Designer fabrics, cool colour combinations, good food and welcoming staff make this our favourite place to stay in town".

The Terrace Restaurant at the Westville, under the control of Executive Gavin Cassidy, was also chosen as the pick of the region. The fact that Gavin is only 25 is a fantastic personal achievement. Nicky Cassidy, Owner of the Westville Hotel said "This is a very proud moment for us as we have worked extremely hard to establish the hotel in the Northern Ireland market, let alone a very strong regional market, for an organisation like Lonely Planet to pick us in our first year is fantastic reflection on the quality of the tourism offering in Fermanagh."

Other spots don't get such a great review, including the "inexplicably popular" Blarney Castle as well as Navan, Slane and Kells, which the book refers to as "blighted with soulless housing estates."

The Lonely Planet Guide to Ireland is available now priced at £15.99 from all good book stores..