Wandering Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way


Book Description

Following the spirit of the world's longest coastal driving route, Paul Clements sets out to discover the real west of Ireland. Along the way he encounters memorable characters living on the Atlantic edge and presents a unique portrait of their lives. We meet the last man standing on a remote Galway island, listen to the banter at Puck Fair, and hear from a descendant of the original sixteenth-century wild Atlantic woman. Tagging along on his meandering journey is the swashbuckling presence of the Celtic sea god, Manannán Mac Lir. For his first travel book in 1991, Paul hitchhiked the same route. Now retracing his steps along the Wild Atlantic Way – this time by car and bike, on horseback and on foot – he looks at how Ireland has changed and realises everyone still has a story to tell. Laced with wry humour and endless curiosity, this is a distinctive mix of travel writing, social history and nature. Also by this author: 'The Height of Nonsense: The Ultimate Irish Road Trip' Praise for this author: "Stacks of free copies should be sent to all our tourist desks abroad." – The Irish Times. "For sheer pleasure, nothing I read beat Paul Clements' 'The Height of Nonsense'." – The Observer. "A compulsive, educational, laugh-out-loud read." – Sunday Independent. "A fascinating journey around the hidden corners of Ireland." – BBC Radio




Exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way


Book Description

Exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is essential reading for anyone planning to visit the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Whether looking for ideas for weekend adventures or visiting from abroad you will find everything you need within this guide.At over 2500km, The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest defined coastal touring route, travelling the full length of the west coast of Ireland, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The route is alive with literature, music, stories, and surf. Its landscape, flora, fauna, and sheer size have inspired everyone from WB Yeats to John Lennon. Just a few highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage site Skellig Michael; the largest karst landscape in the world, The Burren; and the traditional Irish towns dotted along our western coast. This book's focus is on the outdoors - on getting out into the fresh air, the wind, the sun and the rain - and experiencing the incredible natural beauty found everywhere along the coast. It is full of spectacular photos, helpful maps and detailed information on the west coast's best sights, from the most famous landmarks to the hidden gems on this awe inspiring route.




Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way


Book Description

The Wild Atlantic Way follows the magnificent west coast of Ireland, passing golden beaches, thrusting headlands and soaring sea cliffs. Renowned walking-guide author Helen Fairbairn explores the best walking routes of the region, recommending trips to uninhabited islands, coastal mountains and much more. Routes vary from two to six hours, and are illustrated with colour photos and detailed maps. Whatever your level of expertise, this comprehensive guide is all you need to discover the real wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way. Praise for this author: 'Handy, easy to use guide.' Walking World Ireland. 'Will be appreciated by local walkers and visitors alike.' Irish Mountain Log. 'Ideal for bringing out on a trail.' The Irish Times Also by this author: 'Dublin & Wicklow: A Walking Guide', 'Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide', 'Northern Ireland: A Walking Guide'




Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way


Book Description

Boasting ancient tombs, atmospheric castles and sacred retreats, the Wild Atlantic Way is alive with treasures to explore. Beginning in Kinsale, Neil Jackman guides us northwards to visit his top 100 heritage sites. From 350-million-year-old footprints on Valentia Island to vestiges of the more recent past like the cottage of 1916 revolutionary Patrick Pearse, you will discover the stories behind the dramatic scenery. Here is everything you need to know about the history of iconic landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, as well as lesser-known delights like the monastic site at Reask in County Kerry and the Doonfeeny Standing Stone in County Mayo. For those who want to get off the beaten track, there are trips to islands like Scattery, Inishmurray and, of course, the breathtaking Skellig Michael. This engaging and practical guide is an essential companion for any explorer wishing to dig deeper and discover the gems of this spectacular landscape.




The Atlantic Coast of Ireland


Book Description

Visiting the entire length of Ireland's wild Atlantic coast, from the sublime scale of seascape and mountain-scape in Donegal through the barren limestone of West Clare to the lush, quasitropical mountains of the south-west, The Atlantic Coast of Ireland records the landscape in beautiful detail and recounts the stories that echo through it. The beauty of the Atlantic coast is anything but timeless. These environments embody geology, deep history, ecology, politics, climate, agriculture, religion and much more. The diversity of Ireland's culture and geography combines to produce an acute blend of place and history, found nowhere so intensely as here. Years in the making, Jonathan Hession's marvellous photographs are complemented by John Grenham's wise and witty text, introducing each region and examining the themes that arise from their landscape and history. A perfect companion for travellers on the newly inaugurated Wild Atlantic Way, this is a definitive account, and a book to treasure.




The Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland


Book Description

The Wild Atlantic Way is a driving route along Ireland's Atlantic seaboard, covering over 2,350km of coastline and showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes. This guide adapts the route for cyclists - and throws in a couple of other highlights (such as the Aran Islands and Killarney) for good measure. Since relatively few people are likely to have seven weeks to spare for a full Wild Atlantic Way tour, the book presents six self-contained cycle tours, each offering 7-10 days of riding. For the full Wild Atlantic Way experience, these distinct routes can be linked together into a 44-stage trip from Derry/Londonderry to Cork. Each route includes detailed advice on accommodation and facilities, plus optional detours and shortcuts and points of interest. The routes themselves are presented as 'route cards': ideal for use with a cycle computer, these pages provide 'at a glance' information for when you're on the road, covering navigation, facilities and local highlights. The guide covers all the practicalities - including transport, equipment and general tips on cycling in Ireland.




The Height of Nonsense


Book Description

Paul Clements took to the road in search of the county tops, armed with his own rules of the road, 'Forsake all 21st century Celtic superhighways in favour of boreens'. Faced with leave he couldn't afford, Paul travelled the GMRs (Great Mountain Roads), exploring remote corners of little known counties, some very flat, and spent time with the eccentric and the quaint. Meet Cathy Rea who can see, and even smell, fairies! Listen to tales of druids, banshees, highwaymen and loose women. And learn how a poet stops Errigal's ego from deflating. P.S. Paul found only 28 tops!




The Rough Guide to Ireland (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

Discover this evergreen destination with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to ride the length of the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way, take a foodie tour of the southwest or discover a city reborn in Belfast, The Rough Guide to Ireland will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. - Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. - Full-colour maps throughout- navigate the backstreets of Dublin's Temple Bar or Derry's famous city walls without needing to get online. - Stunning images - a rich collection of inspiring colour photography. -Things not to miss - Rough Guides' rundown of Ireland's best sights and experiences. - Itineraries- carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. -Detailed regional coverage- whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered (all Ireland's counties) include: Dublin; the Midlands; Cavan; Mayo; Galway; Clare; Limerick; Kerry; Cork; Kilkenny; Kildare; Meath; Belfast; Antrim and Derry. Attractions include: The Giant's Causeway; Dublin's Trinity College; Titanic Belfast; the Wild Atlantic Way; Bruna Boinne; Skellig Michael; Kylemore Abbey; Bantry House; the Burren and Croagh Patrick. -Basics- essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, health, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, the media and more. -Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, traditional music and literature,plus a handy language section and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Ireland.




A Journey Into Ireland's Literary Revival


Book Description

From the 1890s until the 1920s, a great tide of literary invention swept Ireland. As the country struggled for political independence, the writers who formed the Irish Literary Revival created a new, authentically Irish literature. Some, such as W. B. Yeats, John Synge, and Lady Gregory, celebrated the mystical tradition of Ireland's west; others, such as Sean O'Casey, explored Dublin's crowded streets and tenements. This fascinating, revealing, and beautiful book examines the relationship between these writers and the towns and countryside that fueled their imaginations. Part history, part biography, and part travel guide, A Journey into Ireland's Literary Revival takes the reader to Galway, the Aran Islands, Mayo, Sligo, Wicklow, and Dublin. Along the route, it visits the cottages and castles, crags and glens, theaters and pubs where some of the country's finest writers shaped an enduring vision of Ireland.




Rick Steves Ireland


Book Description

From rustic towns and emerald valleys to lively cities and moss-draped ruins, experience Ireland with the most up-to-date 2021 guide from Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Ireland you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for planning a multi-week trip through Ireland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the Rock of Cashel and the Ring of Kerry to distilleries making whiskey with hundred-year-old recipes How to connect with local culture: Hoist a pint at the corner pub, enjoy traditional fiddle music, and jump into conversations buzzing with brogue Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a Guinness Self-guided walking tours of atmospheric neighborhoods and awe-inspiring sights Trip-planning tools, like how to link destinations, build your itinerary, and get from place to place Detailed maps, including a fold-out map for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, Irish phrase book, historical overview, and recommended reading Updated to reflect changes that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic up to the date of publication Over 1,000 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Coverage of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, County Wexford, Kinsale, Cobh, Kenmare, The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, County Clare, the Burren, Galway, the Aran Islands, Connemara, County Mayo, Belfast, Portrush, the Antrim Coast, Derry, County Donegal, and much more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Ireland. Planning a one- to two-week trip? Check out Rick Steves Best of Ireland.