The Best Ireland Travel Books: Our Top Picks and Reviews

A visit to Ireland offers a captivating blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that can deeply enrich any traveler's soul. From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant streets of Dublin, the Emerald Isle promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Explore ancient castles like Blarney, where you can kiss the famed stone for the gift of eloquence. Wander through the otherworldly landscape of the Giant's Causeway, with its hexagonal basalt columns shrouded in myth. Immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture by attending a lively céilí dance or savoring a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub while listening to local musicians. Drive the scenic Ring of Kerry, marveling at its lush green hills and pristine coastline. Delve into Ireland's literary heritage in Dublin, following in the footsteps of Joyce, Yeats, and Wilde. A good travel guidebook can be an invaluable companion, helping travelers uncover better appreciate the deep cultural significance of this wonderful country.

Recommended Books For Those Visiting Ireland

Rick Steves Ireland

Rick Steves Ireland is our recommendation as one of the best overall guidebooks for travelers to Ireland. This guide doesn't just offer run-of-the-mill travel information; Steves' expertly curated recommendations cut through the unnecessary tourist traps, steering you towards genuine cultural encounters that will leave you feeling more like a local than a visitor. Updated annually, this savvy guide is also a treasure trove for budget-conscious explorers, uncovering hidden gems in accommodations and eateries that won't break the bank. Whether you're drawn to ancient castles, lively pubs, or windswept coastal walks, Rick Steves Ireland equips you with the insider knowledge to dive deep into the country's rich tapestry of history, music, and unmistakable charm.

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Back Roads Ireland

One of the best way to explore the Emerald Isle is behind the wheel, guided by the indispensable Back Roads Ireland by DK Eyewitness Travel. This masterful guide unlocks 25 captivating themed drives, each a gateway to Ireland's hidden treasures. Wind through verdant landscapes, stumbling upon enigmatic stone circles that whisper tales of ancient civilizations. Scale the battlements of medieval castles, their stone walls steeped in centuries of lore. Discover secluded islands and pristine beaches that seem plucked from a painter's canvas. Lose yourself in charming small towns where time stands still, and cozy up in traditional pubs alive with spirited conversation and soulful music.

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111 Places in Dublin That You Shouldn’t Miss

Dublin, Ireland's cheeky capital, winks at visitors with its colorful past, quirky architecture, and rollicking culture. From the stoic Guinness Storehouse standing like a giant pint glass to the zigzagging streets of the Temple Bar area (where walking straight is optional), this ancient city serves up character. For those yearning to ditch the tourist treadmill, 111 Places in Dublin offers a goldmine of local secrets. This off-the-wall guide skips the usual suspects, unveiling historical oddities, buildings so overlooked even their architects forgot them, pubs where time (and sobriety) stands still, and gardens where leprechauns might actually hide.

McCarthy’s Bar, by Pete McCarthy

McCarthy's Bar follows Pete McCarthy's journey through Ireland adhering to one rule: never pass a bar that shares your name. What begins as a whimsical premise becomes something richer as McCarthy weaves together encounters with eccentric locals, reflections on his Anglo-Irish heritage, and observations about identity and belonging. His writing strikes that perfect balance between irreverence and affection, poking fun at Irish stereotypes while clearly adoring the country and its people, and his eye for the absurd transforms what could have been a simple pub crawl into a meditation on home and history. For anyone who loves Ireland, appreciates sharp wit married to genuine warmth, or enjoys travel writing that prioritizes human connection over tourist attractions, this book offers both escape and insight in equal measure.

Round Ireland with a Fridge, by Tony Hawks

Round Ireland with a Fridge is a story of a quest by English comedian Tony Hawks to fulfill a bet he lost (after a night at the pub of course) by taking a trip around the coast of Ireland with a refrigerator as a traveling companion. Yes, it is a silly premise, but the real story is how the Irish people welcome Hawks to the country and get behind the idea. Throughout his journey, Hawks encounters a cast of colorful characters and experiences the unique charm and hospitality of rural Ireland, all while lugging an unlikely companion.

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