Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [5]
McCarthy’s Bar has sold millions of copies thanks to the colourful account of author Pete McCarthy’s attempt to rediscover Ireland by having a pint in every pub that bears his name. His follow-up, The Road to McCarthy, is a look at the Irish diaspora.
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TOP GREEN PROJECTS
There’s nothing more satisfying than helping, participating in, visiting or even just being aware of projects that are working to protect the very environment that drew you here in the first place.
Ecos Environmental Centre (Ballymena, County Antrim;) is a visitor centre dedicated to alternative energy sources and sustainable technology.
Copper Coast GeoPark (Tramore, County Waterford;) is an Anglo-Irish enclave with the dubious distinction of being the only village in Ireland without a pub.
Cork English Market (Cork city, County Cork;) is where locally and organically produced food is displayed so alluringly, sold so bounteously and tastes so good.
Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre (Bawnboy, County Cavan;) has Galupa Buddhism, philosophy and meditation.
T Bay (Tramore, County Waterford;), Ireland’s biggest surf school, runs eco-walks around one of Europe’s largest intertidal lagoons.
Sonairte (Laytown, County Meath;), also called the National Ecology Centre, is devoted to promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living.
Bog of Allen Nature Centre (Lullymore, County Kildare;), tells the history of Ireland’s bogs through a get-your-hands-dirty interactive program of learning.
Coosan Cottage Eco-Guesthouse (Athlone, County Westmeath;) is an ecofriendly guest cottage, utilising wind-generated electricity and sawdust-pellet heating.
Donegal Craft Village (Donegal town, County Donegal;) is a cluster of craft studios showcasing locally produced pottery, ironwork, hand-woven fabrics, jewellery and more.
Rossinver Organic Centre (Rossinver, County Leitrim;) has courses on organic horticulture and sustainable living.
TOP IRISH FICTION
Getting stuck into some fiction is the best way to gain insight into Irish issues and culture, for there’s no greater truth in Ireland than the story that’s been made up. Here are the essentials to kick-start a lifelong passion; for more information, Click here.
Dubliners (1914) by James Joyce
The Book of Evidence (1989) by John Banville
The Butcher Boy (1992) by Patrick McCabe
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha (1993) by Roddy Doyle
The Ballroom of Romance & Other Stories (1972) by William Trevor
The Third Policeman (1967) by Flann O’Brien
Amongst Women (1990) by John McGahern
All the Names Have Been Changed (2009) by Claire Kilroy
Brooklyn (2009) by Colm Toibin
Angela’s Ashes (1996) by Frank McCourt
MUST-SEE IRISH MOVIES
Predeparture planning is always more fun if it includes a few flicks to get you in the mood. The following films are available on video or DVD. For more information about Irish cinema and TV, Click here.
Bloody Sunday (2002; Paul Greengrass)
The Dead (1987; John Huston)
My Left Foot (1989; Jim Sheridan)
The Crying Game (1992; Neil Jordan)
Garage (2008; Lenny Abrahamson)
Inside I’m Dancing (2004; Damien O’Donnell)
Once (2007; John Carney)
Adam & Paul (2004; Lenny Abrahamson)
The Magdalene Sisters (2002; Peter Mullan)
Michael Collins (1996; Neil Jordan)
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Silver Linings by Martin Fletcher is a compelling portrait of Northern Ireland at odds with its bruised and tarnished image as a war-scarred region. Northerners on both sides of the divide are friendly, funny and as welcoming as anyone else on the island.
Vitali’s Ireland by Vitali Vitaliev is a minutely observed account of 21st-century Ireland, contrasted with the country a century earlier: the country appears to have changed beyond all recognition, but upon close inspection, much remains the same – for good and ill!
A Secret Map of Ireland is Rosita Boland’s brilliantly insightful tale of her travels across the 32 counties, uncovering stories, myths and fascinating details about the counties, towns and villages