One of the better books on Ireland
599566
Fodors had slowly grown on me as I get older and I can see their merit. If you've never been to Ireland before, this might be a good book for you, provided you're not on a budget and want to be a tourist but not truly explore "off the map."

The book was pretty lacking on lodging, which was disappointing. It does cater to the high-end of lodging, so if you have a budget, this book might not be for you. In that case,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Rough-Guide-to-Ireland-Rough-Guide-Ireland/dp/1848364369/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Rough Guide to Ireland (Rough Guide Ireland)</a>&nbsp;might be for you.

My rule for travel books has always been to get two - one for indepth research and one for the pocket that you can quickly refer to. I don't know if I'd get this book for the indepth research though since I tend to travel more on a budget and don't golf.

Fodors does a good job overall targeting slightly older, slightly more affluent tourists/travelers. If you fit into this category, then I recommend this book for you. If you're more adventurous, I'd recommend Lonely Planet or Rough Guides.
974101
I was traveling to Ireland for the first time, and wanted a book about Ireland county side.  The Photographs in this book are work's of art. It gave me great information on the place's I wanted to see while in Ireland. Wonderful book, just for photo's alone.
1908501
Excellent recounting of a very interesting time in Irish history. The Author gives life to forgotten figures in history. Worth a read
4424611
Very informative book for a trip to Ireland.  Very detailed and full of useful information.  Valuable guide to anyone who plans to go to Ireland.  It also would be for someone who may not be able to travel to Ireland can still read about all the great sites to see if ever they made a trip.
126993
Getting ready to take a trip to Ireland with family. The only thing that I really wanted to see while I was there was Connemara. Unfortunately, I was in the minority and that didn't make the itinerary. Stephen Walsh's book was a pleasant insight into what I will be missing.  Very enjoyable reading and makes me want to see Connemara even more.
2630601
I got this book on the recommendation of my mother; who ultimately wants to read it.  I had no familiarity with Thomas Meagher, but the story, written by Egan is an easy read and very fluid.  The first quarter of the book focuses on Meagher and his role in seeking to enlist people in the Irish Confederation.  Egan does a really good job of discussing the oratory style of Meagher, in particular his accent, arousing speeches to the people, especially against the context of famine that was decimating the population.

There are also really pleasant historical sidebars (not really a sidebar, but inclusion in the story?) of other particulars, such as the out migration of the Irish to Australia and Canada, elements that were supported by the British Crown.  The death toll of the emigrants to the U.S., almost 1 in 5, is a staggering number that is seldom discussed.  There is also background information regarding others as well throughout the story, giving insight into those who worked in the Irish Confederation, and throughout New York at various times.

Meaghers trip to Tasmania is also discussed, which, I had always been curious about the length of time it would take to get that far away to the penal colony (120 days).  Perhaps there is a bit of irony in that the transport actually fed them and they wore no shackles.  The time in Tasmania actually seems a bit like a resort, even if it was away from their homeland of Ireland.  Meagher eventually leaves, but his note to his warden/parole oversight person is a bit priceless, he basically sent a same-day message that let them know he was heading out.  I mention this message because it gives further insight into the type of character Meagher was and is throughout the book.

While in the U.S., Meagher is highly regarded by those who knew him from Ireland.  Eventually, Meagher becomes a union general and fights in the Civil War, specifically leading the Irish Brigade.  Meaghers status remained while in the U.S., especially as he was placed in a bit of a position to use it to recruit new troops; even though the initial causalities weighed heavily on Meagher.  There is also really interesting insight into the Irishs perception of fighting to free slaves; as that is one of the objections that is raised by many of the Irish when drafted or paid to fight for the Union.  At the same time, Meaghers own battle in championing for his men, especially in the area of promotion and recognition are addressed.  Overall, there are some political elements from the Civil War that are often excluded that are brought into the picture. The drafting of the Irish, and the ensuing riots that lashed out at African Americans are also another historical element that are seldom discussed or addressed.

The Civil War portion takes up the largest chunk of the book, but Meaghers time in Montana is discussed for about 50-60 pages.  During this time Meagher found himself at odds with vigilantes who were opposed to his authority, which was 2nd highest office in Montana, as a commission from Johnson.  Meagher worked to continue to instill law in Montana, even at a time when it was pretty minimally populated and had a high leaning towards an old west type of rule.

Overall, the book is really good, a quick read, and portrays the situation realistic with outside information into the stories of the time that are often overlooked.  Id really recommend it, and it gives a new insight into the Civil War, especially as it addresses internal conflict within the Union and between various groups.
286397
A great book for anyone wanting to understand this particular region in Ireland.  Great research and writing went into this book and should be added to the book collection of anyone who wants more in depth history about this portion of Munster, Ireland.
4158033
Bought this for my wife for Christmas, and she has been delving into it ever since. Very well written for an atlas, this book is an inexhaustible source of information on Ireland.
4690361
I just returned from a bus tour of Ireland (including Northern Ireland and Aran Islands) and this book hit so many responsive chords including reunion with family members. Loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who has ever taken a tour or visited Ireland. The characters are recognizable and the dialogue familiar. Aside from the nostalgia, the narrative line is well paced and believable; the historical asides make the book informative as well as readable. On this page I noticed that Ms. Grainger has a sequel which is on my shopping list. And I'm planning a return and longer visit to Ireland. The tourist board should recommend it.
Interestingly the Irish bookstores do not stock it because it is an American publication, I was told. I think it should be a natural.
2319528
I bought this book in a book store in Westport Ireland. It was a very enjoyable read and I learned so much from the first person POV from Joe Good. The writing was wonderful and I felt like he was a friend of mine. There is tons of stuff you won't find in any history book such as the funny and personable side of Michael Collins as well as the slow pace the fight took after the Easter Rising because the rebels had very little ammunition or weaponry. Highly recommend this book to everyone who is an Irish History buff like me. From Brighid O'Sullivan author of 100 Things You Didn't Know About Ireland
3606859
I was given the opportunity to speak at a user group meeting in Dublin this upcoming June, and I decided I didn't want to be completely ignorant about the country.  While it won't be a touring vacation, I'd still like to know a bit more about where I'll be visiting.  To that end, I received a review copy of Ireland for Dummies by Liz Albertson.  It's a fun and easy read, and at least I won't be a *completely* stupid American tourist now.

Contents:

Part 1 - Introducing Ireland: Discovering the Best of Ireland; Digging Deeper into Ireland; Deciding When and Where to Go; Following an Itinerary - Four Great Options

Part 2 - Planning Your Trip to Ireland: Managing Your Money; Getting to Ireland; Getting around Ireland; Booking Your Accommodations; Catering to Special Travel Needs and Interests; Taking Care of the Remaining Details

Part 3 - Dublin and the East Coast: Dublin; Easy Trips North of Dublin - Counties Meath and Louth; Easy Trips South of Dublin - Counties Wicklow and Kildare; The Southeast - Counties Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, and Kilkenny

Part 4 - Counties Cork and Kerry: County Cork; County Kerry

Part 5 - The West and the Northwest: Counties Limerick and Clare; County Galway - Galway City, The Aran Islands, and Connemara; Counties Mayo and Sligo; County Donegal

Part 6 - Northern Ireland: Counties Derry, Fermanagh, and Tyrone; Belfast and County Antrim; Counties Down and Armagh

Part 7 - The Part of Tens: Top Ten Traditional Irish Dishes and Drinks; The Top Ten Items to Buy in Ireland

Appendix: Quick Concierge

Index

For what I was looking for, this book was perfect.  I'm not moving over there, nor was I looking for an in-depth discussion and critical analysis of Irish history and culture.  I needed something that would give me an overall understanding of the country and the different areas.  For instance, not having spent much time going beyond the nightly news, I didn't understand the relationship between Northern Ireland and the rest of the country.  At least now I have a basic feel for the forces at play.  I was also fascinated by the colorful history of the island over the centuries.  It's amazing to think there are buildings and institutions there that are approaching a thousand years of existence.  Makes the history of the United States look rather insignificant.  If I were going to be headed off on my own for a week or so, the travel and sightseeing information here would be incredibly useful.  Not only is there good information about what to see (and what possibly to avoid), the author also gives suggested amounts of time you might want to allocate towards a site.  If you're thinking you might like to spend half a day somewhere and she suggests an hour, you might want to give your plans a second thought.  I also liked a feature of this book that I haven't seen in others...  They include a page of Dummies Post-It flags that you can use to tag important (to you) pages for further reference as you're traveling.  A simple thing, but it makes the book even more valuable to take along and use on your trip.

My wife would like to visit Ireland and England one day, but not on the whirlwind schedule that this speaking trip will entail.  When we *do* head back over there (and I'm sure we will), this book will be an essential part of our planning...
2095725
Since my tour of Ireland I have developed a love of all things Irish. I discovered this book and just loved it as well as the matching china that was created by the author.
3069477
This is not the Ireland I know and love, but Fodor's is probably good for the more typical American tourist, especially on a well-funded, short-term, do-it-all sort of trip. I lived there for several months on two occasions, staying on working farms and in independent hostels, with the occasional B&B thrown in for more comfortable lodging--not like the typical American tourist. The Fodor's Guide does not list hostels, and mentions few B&B's (an Irish specialty), but covers high-end hotels and tourist-y choices such as castles made over as "authentic, atmospheric" lodging. Tourist-centric restaurants featuring the "New Irish Cuisine" abound, but there's really nothing better in Ireland than a good pub meal (fresh salmon or savory stew, warm bread, and these days, a good salad). If you're young or just adventuresome, and you want to hike, explore the country slowly, on your own (on foot or bicycle), play music, write poetry, read Yeats and Joyce, and especially if you wish to get to know the Irish and your fellow-travelers from all over the world, I'd recommend the "Lonely Planet" guidebook instead of this one, and at least one stay in a hostel to prepare and eat a Tower of Babel-like communal meal with people from Holland to South Africa. Fodor's pays little attention to destinations that are off the beaten track, such as the gorgeous, wild-weathered, Irish-speaking Aran Islands (which may be a good thing, as they cannot support much tourism). It's emphasis is on the Top Ten Things To Do In Ireland (by rental car), and if that's your thing, or you want to play a game of golf on an emerald-green green, you'll do well with this book in your suitcase. If you're interested in a unique experience and tend not to carry a suitcase, this book will not give you much help.

That being said, the guidebook has a handy detachable map, a good overview of Dublin, snippets of comments by guidebook users from the Fodor's website, and a decent section on Irish culture and mores. The photos are acceptable, but not in any way remarkable, which is a shame because Ireland's villages are wildly colorful and its landscape breathtaking. Layers of history lie upon the land; ruins date from 2500 B.C., such as the fort Dun Angus on Inishmore, through early castles and churches bombed by Cromwell in the 17th century. Ancient standing stones rise from the middle of sheep pastures, which you'll have to walk through if you want to uncover the Ogham writing scratched upon many of them; Goddess circles, with their ancient holly and oak trees, are still maintained in places like remote Cong and An Burren, and women still make offerings to ensure fertility at sacred springs. To discover these things for yourself you'll have to strike out on your own, and I just realized I have no business trying to review this guidebook (which has been well-covered by others here), so I'll stop now, and just say this: There's really no way for any book to cover all of what makes Ireland such an extraordinary place, so thumb through a handful of them, make a few key decisions, then throw them all out and just go, preferably in a good pair of hiking shoes, with a minimum of stuff on your back, and give yourself up to the experience.
601793
Very  interesting book tying in the history and culture of Ireland, as well as religion ,nursing, and medical ethics.
4359249
I read this book before I went to Ireland this spring. It gave a great overview of Irish history and helped me to understand everything from the medieval castles to the wall in Belfast better. A must-read for anyone who wants to quickly learn about Irish history.
525792
I found the author's approach to story telling mixed with historical references to be an easy way to learn about the evolution of Ireland. Although the protagonist at times seems very naive his personal discoveries of who he really is, makes for a good backstory. This book is an acquired taste but still worth reading.
1888980
I got this to take on our trip to Ireland, since we are going around "Yeats Country".  The book is nice and small, and has a good intro with background info on Yeats.  The only reason  did not give it 5 stars is that I am not crazy about his poetry, although it is significant to Ireland, which I respect.