Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Flung onto the foggy fringe of the Atlantic pond like a mossy millstone, Ireland drips with
mystery, drawing you in for a closer look and then surprising you. An old farmer cuts turf
from the bog, while his son staffs the tech helpline for an international software firm. Buy
them both a pint in a pub that's whirling with playful conversation and exhilarating tra-
ditional music. Pious, earthy, witty, brooding, proud, yet unpretentious, Irish culture is an
intoxicating potion to sip or slurp—as the mood strikes you.
This topic breaks Ireland into its best big-city, small-town, and rural destinations. It
gives you all the information and opinions necessary to wring the maximum value out of
your limited time and money in each of these locations. Experiencing Irish culture, people,
and natural wonders economically and hassle-free has been my goal for three decades of
traveling, tour guiding, and travel writing. With this new edition, I pass on to you the les-
sons I've learned, updated for your trip in 2014.
The destinations covered in this topic are balanced to include the most exciting big cit-
ies and great-to-be-alive-in small towns. Note that this topic covers the highlights of the
entire island, including Northern Ireland. While you'll find the predictable biggies—such
as the Book of Kells, the Newgrange tomb (at Brú na Bóinne), and the Cliffs of Mo-
her—I've also mixed in a healthy dose of Back Door intimacy (rope-bridge hikes, holy
wells, and pubs with traditional Irish music). This topic is selective. On a short trip, visit-
ing both the monastic ruins of Glendalough and Clonmacnoise is redundant; I cover only
the best—Glendalough. There are plenty of great manor-house gardens, but I recommend
just the top one—the Gardens of Powerscourt.
