3 comments about Special Places to Stay Ireland.

1. We have never been in ireland but reading this book we realy like to go to this wonderful land. So we booked our first guesthouse and we can't wait till the 7 of june. Thats the first day we arive in ireland. We take this book under our arms and at the 27 of june we'l make a new review over the places we've been to



2. I purchased this book just before my family went to Ireland a few years ago. We chose several places from the book as places we'd like to visit, and they really lived up to their billing. We've taken our chances and stayed at bed and breakfasts all over Ireland on other visits. This book made it easy to find a beautiful spot to stay. Most of the B&Bs from the book didn't require more than a few nights notice, so our travelling experience was still just as spontaneous as if we hadn't made any plans at all. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is planning a travelling holiday in Ireland and who wants to stay at some truly special spots!



3. I bought this book on recommendation from a couple I met in a lovely Bed & Breakfast which features in the book. Since buying it I have stayed in several places from the book and I have not been disappointed!
   The accommodation listed in the book is definitely true to the description given by the writer, who has stayed in each one recently - the houses beautiful, the locations superb, the breakfasts delicious and plentiful, and the hosts always friendly, helpful and interesting. The guide contains both accommodation accessable for people using public transport as well as those with their own transport.
   Don't be mislead by the title. 'Special Places' does not mean expensive places either.
   Also the back of the book contains little extra touches like words to local songs, place name meanings, indexes based on suitability for families, pets, etc. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone travelling around Ireland.

1 comments about The King's Jaunt: George IV in Scotland, August 1822 'One and Twenty Daft Days'.

1. I have read much about the Gathering of 2009, which is a world wide calling to all those of Scottish descent back to Edinburgh, Scotland to celebrate their heritage. As I read about the events and history, the reference to the 1822 visit by King George IV to Edinburgh was mentioned. Not knowing much about this event I decided to read The King's Jaunt by John Prebble.
   
   Now I have a better understanding of the political impact and history of the visit. It wasn't just about the first Hanoverian monarch to visit Scotland. Tensions were still high 76 years post Culloden. It was about the Lords and ministers in the government trying to quell some radical movements and unrest in Scotland against English rule. It was almost comical, sad, but comical reading how different ministers worked the King over through his mistress, various other ladies of the court and other favorites to get him to commit to going to visit Scotland.
   
   Then we get to Sir Walter Scott and his Celtification, as Prebble calls it, of all Scottish people. For better or worse, Scott is the father of the belief that all things Scottish are all things Highland. Which the previous centuries of Scottish history prove that most noble Scots including the monarchy were lowland and more like the English in dress and beliefs and always working towards quelling and even eliminating the Highlanders. Even during the visit the Highlands were still being cleared by landlords and even some Clan Chiefs, to make way for the sheep. This sent the Clansmen across the globe to many of the British colonies. The quotes of witnesses to that effect at the beginning of each chapter was a nice reminder and grounding as you read about the "Scottish" pageantry in Edinburgh.
   
   Today when you mention Scottish history or heritage people automatically think clans, tartans and Haggis. Not all Scottish families were Highland or had Chiefs and a family tartan. Even the concept of family tartans is a myth solidified and made popular by Scott. Although the visit was seen by many as a mockery of Scottish heritage and a lot of play acting it did do a lot in the way of helping preserve and make popular the Scottish culture and keep it separate from the English.
   
   The Kings Jaunt is a great book that gives a day by day history and background into all the players and the reasoning behind King George IV's visit in 1822. It also gives me a better understanding of the politics and the source of much of popular Scottish pride. A great book for a student of Scottish history. I highly recommend you read Culloden and the Clearances also by Prebble to set you up for this book.

No comments about Blue Guide Dublin, First Edition (Blue Guides).

No comments about Adapter Kit: Ireland: A Traveler's Tools for Living Like a Local.

No comments about James Joyce: Reflections of Ireland.

No comments about Ancient Landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds.

No comments about Ireland Insight Pocket Guide.

4 comments about Hanging Out in Ireland.

1. I look forward to using this book when I get over there this year...its very down to earth this book and not your typical touristy book...see for yourself...



2. It's lacking in some of its reviews and a lot of the important sites seem glossed over rather than sounding like the authors experienced it for themselves. However, most of the facts in it are already out of date. There are better books out for those with Ireland in mind as a destination.



3. I used this book just a few months ago and was thoroughly pleased. It appeals particularly to a younger age group, when it mentions the glam clubs and pubs. I will use the Hanging Out Series for later travel abroad.



4. A fair amount of the information is now out of date. For example, costs are shown in Irish Pounds but the currency of the Republic of Ireland since January 2002 is the Euro. A fair number of the listed restaurants have closed. I'd wait for the next edition or be sure to carry another book or two.

1 comments about Ireland, 6th (Country & Regional Guides - Cadogan).

1. I have been to Ireland many times, and don't really need a travel book. However, for this coming trip I wanted to learn a little about the places I haven't been, so I picked up this book. It's really well written, and thorough. The maps are liberally distributed throughout the book, and have lots of details. Highly recommended.

No comments about One Man's London.