The close relationships Irish people have with their families and friends is being heralded as a contributing factor in the happiness of the nation. 

Its after Ireland was ranked as the 12th best place in the world to be born in a new international study.

We've fared better than many countries which are not experiencing financial difficulties like Ireland.

But Karen Hand from the school of psychology at Trinity College Dublin.

She's also researched The National Happiness Experiment and says Ireland is an optimistic nature.