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Rating: 
Summary: Unless you have a lot of money and time...
Review: I traveled to Ireland right after college. Of course this meant that I had little to no money. I looked through everything I could find online and bought a few books and this book by far was the most helpful. It told what were the "must sees" in Ireland that allowed me to get a healthy overview of the country and a memorable trip in only a week.
I agree with some other reviews that it doesn't go into too much depth, but it was my first time in Ireland and I had 7 days, so depth was not an option.
The most appreciated part of this book was the detailed directions to all sites. Trust me, when you're used to street signs, Ireland roads can be tricky to navigate.
Unless you're spending a month on the Isle, I say buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Unless you have a lot of money and time...
Review: I traveled to Ireland right after college. Of course this meant that I had little to no money. I looked through everything I could find online and bought a few books and this book by far was the most helpful. It told what were the "must sees" in Ireland that allowed me to get a healthy overview of the country and a memorable trip in only a week.
I agree with some other reviews that it doesn't go into too much depth, but it was my first time in Ireland and I had 7 days, so depth was not an option.
The most appreciated part of this book was the detailed directions to all sites. Trust me, when you're used to street signs, Ireland roads can be tricky to navigate.
Unless you're spending a month on the Isle, I say buy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Ditto
Review: I'll save you some time. Read the Sept 30th post from a Reader from Zurich. I couldn't have said it any better. This book was shallow and a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Ditto
Review: This book is a must for anyone planning to visit Ireland, whether they go 'on tour' or self-drive. It is the perfect book for everyone!
Rating:
Summary: The only book you'll need for a self-guide tour
Review: This book is a must for anyone planning to visit Ireland, whether they go 'on tour' or self-drive. It is the perfect book for everyone!
Rating: 
Summary: Not recommended
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A bit of thin ground
Review: This book will inform you about the very basics of Irish history, landmarks, and cultural environment . . . and I do mean the very basics, the things that everyone wants to see and the things everyone wants to buy. Unfortunately, if you are a first-time visitor to Ireland, who is really looking to do some serious investigating--on and off the well worn path--this book will do little to guide you. Positives about this book: Detailed, well-composed maps, with effective labelling of important information (hotels, sites, restaurants); a no-nonsense guide to seeing some Irish essentials on seven days or less; and some traveller's basics (what to pack, what to wear, etc). My negatives will get very negative, so I'll be brief. This book is extremely sparse in covering areas of Ireland that are not city centres, so if you're looking for somewhere to stay in rural Co. Clare, or looking for an important historical site in Cork, you will find little information to help you. Moreover, this book will not help you discover interesting experiences of modern Irish life (hurling matches, road bowling.) This book is shamefully shallow when it comes to covering the rich discoveries that are possible throughout Ireland. If you want an example of an excellent guide to Ireland, try _The Rough Guide to Ireland_ and you will get a sense of what I'm through comparison. Also, this book will do little to prepare you for some of the negative aspects of Irish travel. (There are parts of Dublin that are hell on earth and wandering through them looking for some piece of Joyceana is dodgie in the extreme.) Also, rural Irish attitudes are still strong and opinionated. Public shows of affection between same-sex couples are simply out of the question if you want to avoid serious grief, despite what this book suggests. This book will give you the basics--the book of Kells, how long it takes to pour a pint of Guinness, and just how many rainbows can you find in Kerry. This will undoubtedly be enough for many travellers. However, you can get that information, and LOADS more, in a book like the Rough Guide.
Rating:
Summary: Essential Material
Review: You dont have to be a dummy to grab this book...whether your of Irish descent or have been to Ireland before...this book gives you all youll ever need to know about Ireland from its history to the popular touristy places and more...it has many pubs covered all over Ireland including Northern Ireland...you cannot go without this book...
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