Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [6]
The Oxford Illustrated Literary Guide to Great Britain and Ireland traces the movements of famous writers who have immortalised various towns and villages in Ireland.
The Height of Nonsense by Paul Clements is a fascinating story of Irish quirks, eccentrics and oddities, and travelling the GMRs (Great Mountain Roads) in search of the truth about druids, banshees, highwaymen and loose women.
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INTERNET RESOURCES
The internet has become an indispensable planning tool for travellers. Ireland is well wired, so there’s a lot of useful information available online. Here are a few sites to get you started.
Blather (www.blather.net) Its motto is ‘talking shite since 1997’, and this wry webzine delivers, dishing out healthy portions of irreverent commentary on all things Irish. It’s a savvy way to get up to date on current events and attitudes.
Entertainment Ireland (www.entertainmentireland.ie) Countrywide listings for clubs, theatres, festivals, cinemas, museums and much more. It’s well worth consulting this site as you plan your next move in Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland (www.discoverireland.ie) The Republic’s tourist board information site has heaps of practical info. It features a huge accommodation database with photos.
Fine Gael (www.ripoff.ie) Not the website of the actual political party, but an antigovernment website sponsored by the main opposition party, whose aim is to win favour by appearing onside with the poor consumer; we don’t buy it, but it does tell it like it is in relation to prices.
Irish Election (www.irishelection.com) The best of Irish political blogging, this is a great site to familiarise yourself with the issues dominating the Irish scene.
Irish Times (www.irishtimes.com) Ireland’s newspaper of record online, this has all the latest news, features and reviews.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) Comprehensive travel information and advice.
Northern Ireland Tourism (www.discovernorthernireland.com) Northern Ireland’s official tourism information site is particularly strong on activities and accommodation.
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Itineraries
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CLASSIC ROUTES
GO WEST!
THE LONG WAY ROUND
TIP TO TOE
ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
AN ECO KIND OF GREEN
BEST OF THE ISLANDS
TAILORED TRIPS
ADRENALINE ADVENTURES
IRELAND OF THE ANCIENTS
CHILDREN ON BOARD
THE IRISH PANTRY
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CLASSIC ROUTES
GO WEST! One Week/Mayo to West Cork
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This tourist trail takes you past some of Ireland’s most famous attractions and through spectacular countryside. It’s only about 300km so you could manage it in two days, but what’s the point? You won’t be disappointed on this route.
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Begin at the excavated Céide Fields Click here in Mayo. Wind your way round the coast, stopping at some of Ireland’s wildest beaches, to the pretty village of Pollatomish Click here. Head to the pub-packed heritage town of Westport Click here, continuing past Croagh Patrick Click here and through Leenane Click here – situated on Ireland’s only fjord – to Connemara National Park Click here. Take the beautiful coastal route, passing Kylemore Abbey Click here and Clifden’s scenic Sky Road Click here through pretty Roundstone Click here, or else try the stunning wilderness of the inland route through Maam Cross to Galway Click here. Move on to the fishing villages of Kinvara Click here and Ballyvaughan Click here in the heart of the Burren Click here and visit the ancient Aillwee Caves Click here. Explore the Dingle Peninsula Click here before following the Ring of Kerry Click here, ending in Killarney National Park Click here. Continue down the Beara Peninsula Click here to the Italianate Garinish Island Click here, with its exotic flowers. Follow the coast to Cork Click here through Castletownshend and the fishing village of Union Hall Click here.
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THE LONG WAY ROUND Three Weeks/Starting & Ending in Dublin
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A loop to give you a real feel for Ireland’s savage and spectacular coastline, as well as