4 comments about Frommer's Road Atlas Ireland (Road Atlas).

1. The print and use of color makes these maps very easy to use, and let's me set off on my trips with confidence that I'll have a relatively easy time navigating to where I need to be. Details like diagrams of ferry ports and possibly confusing bypasses are a wonderful addition. The spiral binding and pages are high-quality and stand up to a lot of use. A must-have on any roadtrip.



2. You need this atlas if you are going to drive yourself around Ireland. The maps are easy to read and finely detailed. Many of the names are given in both English and Irish (Gaelic); this is essential because many road signs are now in Gaelic. With the Atlas in hand you will be able to figure out where you are, and you will also develop a feel for Gaelic spelling and pronunciation.



3. very easy to follow - a must if you are planning to drive in Ireland



4. This seems like it may be out of print. (That's what it says on many other websites, and Amazon kept delaying and delaying my order, until I cancelled it today.)
   
   Since I was going to Ireland soon, and feared this would not get to me in time, I ordered the newer AA Road Atlas Ireland (by "AA Publishing") that Amazon also sells. I just got that today, and comparing it against the "Search Inside" sample pages of this, it appears that these two Ireland road atlases are identical on EVERY SINGLE page that the "Search Inside" shows, except for the front and back cover. (The maps divide at the exact same points, have the same colors and dual language names, etc.) The only other difference I see is that the AA Road Atlas Ireland is not spiral bound like this one was. (And though you can't see it in the sample pages, the AA Road Atlas has been updated more recently, in terms of roads under construction and such.)
   
   Therefore, if you wanted this but are unable to successfully order it (or just want to get the same content faster), I suggest you look at the AA Road Atlas Ireland.

5 comments about Michelin Ireland/Irlande (Michelin).

1. Michelin maps are great maps for touring. We didn't have one when we arrived in Ireland for our first trip. A local recommended we purchase one, and we were very grateful for the tip! The AA atlas of Ireland may have more detail, but, if you want a single-page fold-out map of Ireland (as opposed to a several-page atlas), I highly recommend this one. It has most of the roads (even minor ones) on it, and it shows sites of interest on it as well. Great map!



2. This Michelin Map of Ireland is the main map product that is sold at the Dublin Airport. Get it before you head to Ireland, you'll be glad you did. It goes handy with the Ireland Atlas.



3. I will first comment that I have not used this map in Ireland so I presume the information to be accurate. It appears to be a top rate map for information, though I find it a little thick and thus cumbersome to fold. Its "foldability" is not helped from the cover being of heavier paper stock than the rest of the map. Scale is 1:400,000 or 1" = approx. 6.3 miles. I suppose you can't have too much detail on a map, but for me there's actually too much information and I find it a bit crowded and hence more difficult to read. I'll be going with the AA Ireland Road Atlas - larger foot print for carrying purposes, but twice the scale and easier to handle while on the move.



4. This map is good for an overall, general view of the major highways, but we found it lacking in detail. We ended up on many smaller roads that didn't show up on the map. The size of the roads is also misleading. Irish roads are very narrow and winding. When we looked at this map, we had the impression the roads were much larger and that they covered quite a bit of the country. They don't. Even when you get on a divided carriageway, it will end unexpectedly for many kilometers before it suddenly divides again. The map looked good when I bought it, but the reality was very different.



5. Thanks for the opportunity to comment. When I purchased this item (actually two of them, sending one as a gift to a friend),I was under the certain but mistaken impression that I was purchasing the Michelin "Red Book", the guide book on Ireland which lists and rates hotels and restaurants! How surprised I was when the package came and, alas, it was the Michelin map which I already own (and a fine map it is too!). Having a home in Ireland, the Red Book is quite useful to me, probably getting more use by us than any other travel tool (I have both the 2001 and the 2004 editions and thought that, oh boy, I was getting a brand new 2007 edition). But this was my mistake and I accept responsibility for it; these things happen at my age (66)--must be entering my dotage, attention span and all that. This mistake certainly does not signal the end of western civilization as we know it...(it doesn't, does it?) You are doing your usual excellent job with our various book gifts for which we thank you.
   Be well and God bless. Have a Blessed, Merry Christmas /Joyful Holiday Season! Yours faithfully,
   James Bell

5 comments about Ireland For Dummies (Dummies Travel).

1. If you want to plan a great trip with a minimum of hassle, this book won't steer you wrong. This is a great guide to use if you don't have the time or energy to sift through a dense 600-plus page book. We used it on a recent one-week trip to Ireland and thought the hotel & restaurant recommendations were great, and the sightseeing info was all very helpful and accurate. We also liked the worksheets that help you sketch out a budget and itineraries.

   I don't think it's fair to compare this book to a Rough Guide, as other reviewers have -- it's like complaining that your pocket Webster's doesn't have as many words as the OED. If you're looking for a totally comprehensive tome that covers every little detail in every corner of the country this isn't the book for you, but you probably guessed that from the title. There is more than enough information here for a one or two week trip to see the highlights of Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland). The lively, humorous tone the book takes is refreshing, and makes the book actually fun to read. There's lots of general travel information that's helpful and reassuring if you don't travel overseas frequently, and lots of resources for anyone who wants to hunt down Irish ancestors.




2. This book is so full of errors that they are too many to list here. It really is a very bad source on Ireland that anyone who has any knowledge on Ireland would spot how bad it is. This is unfortunatley the type of book that gets publicity but is actually quite uninformed. If you want genuine information on Ireland and Irish culture I recommend that you go elsewhere.



3. If you can read only one book to decide what to see and do on your first trip to Ireland, "Ireland for Dummies" is an ideal choice.
   
   I read carefully their descriptions of popular and off-the-beaten-path sights, and advice for first-time visitors to the Emerald Isle. This book earns high praise. I agree with the authors' priorities, and they cover the must-see places and must-do activities with style. Reading this book, I was ready to throw my passport and some clothes into a bag and head to Ireland again, myself.
   
   In addition to raving about the sights that most American visitors will want to see, the general tone of the book is enthusiastic. The information is well arranged, including lists of sites that are close together so that you can make the most of your vacation in Ireland.
   
   If you're traveling with children, this book will guide you to the most fun, must-see destinations for the entire family. Few guidebooks are this helpful and understanding of both children's and adults' interests.
   
   At the back of "Ireland for Dummies," their guide to the "top ten" sights of Ireland and Northern Ireland is excellent. Their advice about shopping is another plus. Finally, their worksheets are a great idea, as you're planning your vacation. They'll help you avoid details that are easy to overlook, but might otherwise spoil a great vacation.
   
   In addition, the maps in "Ireland for Dummies" are large and easy to read... and worth writing on and tearing out, to take with you on your trip. The glossaries are very good and provide quick reference for the most confusing terms when you travel.
   
   This book is probably too bulky to pack in your suitcase, but--as I often recommend (and do myself)--tear out the sections that cover the areas that you plan to visit. Keep those handy on your trip for quick reference, and you'll have a grand vacation or holiday!
   --reviewed by Eibhlin Morey, editor, "All Info About Ireland"



4. As a fairly frequent traveler to Ireland, I appreciate a lively, well-researched guide with a real "feel" (and love) for the country, and this is it! I love the style. The writing is breezy and fresh, chock-full of sharp observations and savvy tips. We're already using the guide to plan our next trip.



5. 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...

2 comments about Berlin Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay).

1. This book is a good size, and photos are given full priority on each page. It's kept nice and simple with old on the left, new on the right, and with just as much informed commentary as you'd need running along beneath.
   
   Only a few of the 'then' pics are from the 50s and 60s; the majority show the Berlin streets as they were before the devastation of the Second World War, and as such are as fascinating as looking at pictures of ancient Rome.
   
   An excellent book from an excellent series.



2. All I can say is awesome.I did a now and then tour of Berlin last year in October and I can only wish that I had the book with me then. There is nothing like knowing where you stand if you are a history buff on ww2 like I am. Going over to do the Bulge at the end of April. Berlin Then and Now is money well spent.
   Greg
   greg@54.co.za

5 comments about AA Road Atlas: Ireland (Road Atlas).

1. I will first comment that I have not yet used this atlas in Ireland so I presume information to be accurate. I ordered this as an extra item to the two fold-out maps I was primarily interested in to qualify for free shipping, but will be leaving the maps behind. The scale (1:200,000 or 1" = 3.16 miles) is 2x the scale of the better of the two fold-out maps (Michelen Ireland #712). I will be using it both for driving and for reference in traveling by bus/train. At 8-1/4" x 11-5/8" x 1/4" thick it fits nicely in the outer sleeve of my backpack. I find the Michelen Ireland #712 fold-out map, while a nicely detailed map, somewhat thick and cumbersome to fold. This bound atlas handles nicely.



2. This atlas was absolutely useless during our trip to Ireland. It did NOT provide detailed maps of the cities, and the layout and organization was horrible! The free map we got from the Rental Car Agency was of more use than this atlas. Do NOT buy this product!



3. I am planning a trip to Ireland where I will rent a car to tour the places I wish to visit. This promises to help navigate the country.



4. AA Road Atlas: Ireland (Road Atlas)Just returned from a road trip in Ireland with my girlfriends, this was invaluable, very easy to read, a must far all attempting to drive the roads in Ireland!



5. This atlas is inferior to the Ordnance Survey Atlas (ISBN 978-1-905511-40-2). We bought the AA atlas before our Ireland trip and found we needed the Ordnance Survey atlas once we got there.

No comments about Frommer's Ireland's Best-Loved Driving Tours (Best Loved Driving Tours).

No comments about Streetwise Dublin Map - Laminated City Street Map of Dublin, Ireland - with integrated Luas rail lines and stations.

5 comments about McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery In Ireland.

1. Pete McCarthy was actually born Peter Charles McCarthy Robinson in Warrington, a town in the north-west of England. He was the eldest son of an Irish mother, who'd moved to England to work as a nurse. Naturally, there was an Irish influence on his upbringing : he was educated by the Christian Brothers and, in his childhood, spent his summer holidays with his mother's family in West Cork. Before moving into travel writing, Pete had worked on television, and adopted his mother's maiden name to avoid confusion with another actor. (It also spared him from sharing a name with a noted Northern Irish politician - who, unlike our author - has no great love for the Irish Republic). "McCarthy's Bar" was his first book, and follows his travels through Cork, Kerry and up the west coast to his eventual destination : the dreaded pilgramage on Lough Derg. (It's, therefore, not entirely set in pubs owned by people called McCarthy - but you weren't seriously expecting that anyway, where you ?).
   
   
   
   I haven't read a lot of travelogues, but - up until now - I've made a point of avoiding those set in Ireland. I've flicked through one or two, and have been left with the impression that people who write travelogues - though they come close at time - don't quite 'get' the Irish. McCarthy, on the other hand, does a great job and sometimes 'gets' us a little too well. He sometimes wanders a little off-topic and, once in a while, includes some relevant childhood memory or the occasional random thought. (The possiblility of genetic memory is something he puzzles over more than once, and he briefly notes the contribution of the Irish to Australia's sporting successes). He touches occasionally on the Irish - English relationship, though (wisely) doesn't try to explain it, while other tourists provide a few laughs...most notable among these are the Germans and - dare I say it - the Americans. (Please note : anyone who tries to tell you that, as a result, this book is anti-English, anti-German or anti-American should be roundly laughed at. Give them a lollipop, a pat on the head, even dry their eyes for them - just don't listen to them). McCarthy has produced a very funny and hugely enjoyable book, and I will certainly be picking up "The Road to McCarthy". Absolutely recommended.



2. After reading the negative reviews of this book (and there aren't many), I wonder two things: did those reviewers read the same thing that I did and, if so, do they have any appreciation for good writing?! McCarthy's book is excellent, and his sharp wit and superb sense of humor come across brilliantly throughout the pages. On my first visit to Ireland in December 2006, I stopped by several of the places that he describes, including Abeystrowry, Dursey Head, and MacCarthy's bar. They were made all the more special by knowing that I was trodding in Pete's footsteps. His book is well worth the time and money you'll spend, and you may find yourself reading it again and again (as I have). Ignore the negative reviews (there will always be boorish morons in the world), and treat yourself to a fantastic read!



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book - Mr. McCarthy's humor and insight into the factors and foibles of humans had me laughing through each chapter. Bravo!



4. It took me a while to finish this book, not because I didn't enjoy, to the contrary, I wanted to make it last as long as possible, so I rationed out 10 or so pages a day and would get my fill of laughs and insight into traveling in modern Ireland.



5. The delivery and price were fine, but the pages in the middle of the book are all scrambled up and I had no patience to deal with it.

5 comments about Dublin (City Guide).

1. This sweet, compact guide measures only 7" x 3", but packs a wallop in the info department! Went to Dublin last year, and out of 8 city guides I looked at, this was the ONLY one who had info on Bram Stoker (Dracula's author); his house in an historic landmark, and the author also leads you to his beautiful birth residence!



2. I bought this guide and the Rick Steves book to plan my trip to Dublin. Both were very helpful, but I left Rick's book at home because Lonely Planet has GLBT info in it and has better maps. I used the maps a lot, both to find my way and also to get back on track when I got lost. A lot of the prices for things quoted in the book had gone up, but that's to be expected. I highly recommend both Dublin and this guidebook.



3. My wife and I just got back from Ireland and had a great time, in part because of this book. The guesthouse we stayed in, several of the restaurants we visited, and more than a couple of the sites we saw were drawn from its pages. I'm happy to report that its guidance was uniformly spot on. We tend to enjoy simply being in a place, doing things in a low key way and deciding what to do next as we take our time wandering around. This guide was perfect for that, easy to whip out of a bag over lunch or on a street corner, though I suspect that it would be useful for those who prefer to set down itineraries, too.
   
   For what it's worth, this has been our experience with other Lonely Planet guides as well (including those for Ireland and Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks).



4. As the other reviewers have said, this is a great guidebook. I used it to plan a three-day visit recently. The hotel I chose was exactly as described, and a good choice. Unlike some guidebooks, it has great maps. There are six detailed colored maps in the back of the book, a map of the Dublin Area Regional Transit trains, and numerous smaller maps inside (e.g., maps of walking tours, of Trinity College, of cathedrals). The book is chock-full of interesting and useful info on all the sights of Dublin. In addition, if you want to do day trips out of Dublin, don't assume you need a different all-Ireland guide - there is a section on "excursions" you can do in a day, and instructions on how to get there (public transport, car, organized tour). I will say that one of the tours I took wasn't quite how it was described, but I should probably take that up with the tour company. A few tips: a) for a breathtaking coastal walk, go to Howth. Malahide, another coastal town, wasn't worth the time for me. b) Glendalough is a beautiful park with two big lakes, and to me was worth more time than the organized tour I chose allotted for it.



5. I really found the book useful, but I wish it had a method to highlight "must see" things better. I was in Dublin for a very short trip and had difficulty combing through the book to figure out what I should prioritize for my limited time. In retrospect, I wish I had purchased the Ireland guide, rather than Dublin, so it would have been easier for me to pick out the key things to see. On second thought, I might not have had the great, detailed maps if I had done that, so maybe I went the right route!
   
   I've had great experiences with Lonely Planet guides in general, though I also love Let's Go. They don't have as many out there, but I buy the Let's Go version if it's available - better info for people on a budget, and lots of great "off the beaten path" suggestions.

5 comments about Round Ireland with a Fridge.

1. Tony Hawks is a legend. Absolutly brilliant.... one of the few books which have actually made me laugh out loud. Be wary of reading in public places because the constant smile/giggling to yourself can prove to be a little socially akward.



2. 'Round Ireland With a Fridge' is the first of Tony Hawks' two books inspired by a loony bet with a friend. I liked this book well enough, but I think it falls a bit short in comparison with his 2004 follow-up, Playing the Moldovans at Tennis, which I think is pure genius - an inspiring work never to be dislodged from my Top 10. It's brilliant.
   
   In 'Round Ireland,' I give Tony credit for recognizing the role that morning DJ Gerry Ryan had in his success. Ryan literally put the whole country on alert for Tony. He set the tone for Hawks' circumnavigation of the Isle when he called it "a totally purposeless idea, but a d-mn fine one." That Ireland rallied to that call is a testament to a wonderful country and its good-natured people.



3. I plan to order several more copies of this book and give it to many of my friends. It makes me laugh out loud! Very well written.



4. This is a laugh-out-loud funny book. After reading it, I wanted to visit Ireland. Sure, the premise of the book is a bit ridiculous. Traveling around Ireland with fridge to win a bet. However, the author consistently points this out himself. The people he meets are interesting, and his take on them (and the adventure as a whole) is well written and worth reading. As a bonus for those who can't read, there are many pictures in the middle of the book.



5. I enjoyed this book about Tony's adventures in Ireland. Like the cover says--he made a drunken bet no one expected him to keep, kept it anyway, and ended up with this adventure.
   
   I, and several others in my bookclub, have no desire to see the stand up comedian in person. He didn't really come off as a funny guy in the book, particularly because he bombed both times he had a chance to show his stuff, but the book is delightful because it is peopled with quirky unforgettable characters and there's a wry humor in the writing.
   
   SPOILER:
   Tony's success in getting around Ireland with the fridge was definitely due to the call-in radio show that followed him from the beginning. He hardly struggled to hitch. Or find a place to sleep. Or eat. But that never diminished my desire to continue reading. It actually made me want to read more--to see how popular the guy could get. The adventure was fun to follow to the end, which was the funniest part of the book with its wonderfully anticlimactic kitchen appliance parade. I think the Irish people redeemed themselves there.
   
   Don't read this book to discover Ireland--it's not a travel story of that sort. You do get some nice imagery/descriptions, but not enough to make it a standout feature of the book. You get more about the people than the land.
   
   One neg is that I really don't feel like I know Tony Hawks much by the end of the book. You know more about some of the Irish characters than you know about him. Very little background info/motivation for actions, etc. is offered, and I wonder why. A little bit (not a ton) of that would have improved the story for me. Another neg is that the book made it seem as if all of Ireland is drunk all the time. It might be because Tony hung out mainly in bars, but it seemed like an unfair implication (then again, I am very unfamiliar with Ireland and Irish people).
   
   In the end, this is a fun read about a crazy adventure in Ireland.