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.




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.




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.




In a Harbour Green


Book Description

Novelist, short-story writer, critic, memoirist, broadcaster and journalist: Benedict Kiely (1919–2007) was not only one of the best known but one of the most artistically and culturally distinctive men of letters of his day. His fascination with the island of Ireland, the myths and memories of its people, and the many-voiced quality of its traditions, has secured for him a unique place in the country’s literary history. His substantial body of fiction and non-fiction is a repository of lore and learning, and amply rewards not only the interest shown in it over many years by his popularity among the general public, but also that of Irish and international literary scholarship. Strangely, however, despite his renowned reputation and canonical status, Kiely remains a writer whose work has generated surprisingly little secondary literature, academic or otherwise. This charming collection of twelve essays by some of Ireland’s foremost writers and esteemed international critics, in this, his centenary year, will breathe new life into Kiely’s work and place him back where he belongs, at the heart of Irish literature.




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!




Fodor's Essential Ireland 2020


Book Description

Ready to experience Ireland? The experts at Fodor’s are here to help. Fodor’s Ireland 2020 travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of Ireland, and exclusive tips from locals. Whether you want to explore Ireland’s iconic coastal scenery, visit the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry, or experience Ireland’s thriving arts and music scene, this user-friendly guidebook will help you plan it all out. Our local writers vet every recommendation to ensure that you not only make the most of your time, but that you also have all the most up-to-date and essential information you need to plan the perfect trip. This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor’s Essential Ireland 2020 includes: • AN ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE GUIDE that visually captures the top highlights of Ireland. • SPECTACULAR COLOR PHOTOS AND FEATURES throughout, including special features on Dublin's literary heritage, iconic sights like the Ring of Kerry and the Rock of Cashel, and the Anglo-Irish Georgian House. Other features shine a spotlight on cruising on the Shannon, hiking in the West, and Irish whiskeys. • INSPIRATIONAL “BEST OF” LISTS identify the best things to see, do, eat, drink, and more. • MULTIPLE ITINERARIES for various trip lengths help you maximize your time. • MORE THAN 20 DETAILED MAPS help you plot your itinerary and navigate confidently. • EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS offer options for every taste. • TRIP PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS include: guides to getting around, saving money and time, beating the crowds; and a calendar of festivals and events. • LOCAL INSIDER ADVICE tells you where to find under-the-radar gems, along with the best walking tours. • HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL OVERVIEWS add perspective and enrich your travels. • NEW FEATURES include Top Castle Hotels and Manor Houses, Best Golf Courses, What to Buy in Ireland, and new Itineraries for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. • COVERS: Dublin, Belfast, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Cork, Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, The Giants Causeway, the Wild Atlantic Way, Killarney, Connemara, Trinity College, Dublin’s museums, the Book of Kells, Dingle, Donegal, Irish Castles and Monasteries, Irish Design, Irish Festivals and events, and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting England? Check out Fodor’s Essential England, Fodor’s London, and Fodor's Essential Great Britain.




Fodor's Essential Ireland 2019


Book Description

Written by locals, Fodor’s Essential Ireland is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to Dublin and Ireland. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Join Fodor’s in exploring one of the most exciting countries in Europe. Ireland may be a small island, but it’s packed with things to do and see and simply overflowing with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and ancient history. From the splendor of its Georgian homes and Norman castles to its strikingly scenic landscapes, lush green fields, and postcard-perfect villages, there’s majesty at every turn here. Add a lively pub culture, a thriving arts and music scene, a reverence for the spoken word, and a warm and welcoming people, and you see why the Emerald Isle is one of Europe's most popular destinations. Fodor’s Essential Ireland 2019 includes: •UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Fully updated coverage of neighborhoods, must-see attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and more. New restaurants and hotels throughout Ireland showcase the best options at different price points and categories. Updated annually to ensure the best and most relevant content. •ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE: A brief introduction and spectacular color photos capture the ultimate experiences and attractions throughout Ireland. •DETAILED MAPS: 50 detailed maps to help you plan and get around stress-free. •GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: In-depth illustrated features cover Dublin's literary heritage, iconic sights like the Ring of Kerry and the Rock of Cashel, and the Anglo-Irish Georgian House. Other features shine a spotlight on cruising on the Shannon, hiking in the West, and Irish whiskeys. •ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Check out the Great Itineraries section to help plan your time, whether it’s a few days or a few weeks. Find suggested excursions from Dublin, a tour of Northern Ireland, as well as the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. Includes tips on where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about nightlife, sports, and the outdoors. Fodor's Choice designates our best picks in every category. •INDISPENSABLE TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS: Planners gives useful, practical overviews of important travel information. A Calendar of Events helps visitors choose the best time to plan a visit around special festivals, parades, and golf tournaments. •COVERS: Dublin, Clare, Galway, Cork, Belfast, the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, and much more. •ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting the United Kingdom, too? Check out Fodor’s Essential England, Fodor’s London 2018, Fodor's Essential Great Britain, and Fodor’s Scotland.




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.




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.