Michael Flatley insists the jig is up for the US – as Cork is MORE inspirational

Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley has said Cork is far more inspirational than America.

The superhoofer yesterday became an Honorary Corkman – after years living in his nearby 18th century mansion, Castlehyde.

And Flatley, who has lived in New York, Beverly Hills and the south of France said Ireland is the place to be.

Settled: Flatley and wife Niamh O’Brien | VIPIRELAND.COM

He said: “I’ve been blessed in my life to live in many different places — Beverly Hills, Malibu, Chicago, Manhattan and quite some time in the south of France.

“But no place has ever been so inspiring to me as walking on the banks of the Blackwater River in north Cork.”

Pals: Nadine Coyle and Michael Flatley | BRIAN MCEVOY

He added: “The land, the air, the people — there is something in this part of the world that’s incredibly special and very motivational, certainly for me as an artist.

“Thank you for welcoming myself, my wife, my family to this beautiful part of the world. We are so honoured to be here.”