Thomas Hollowell - The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland. From Dublin to Galway and Cork to Donegal - a Complete Guide to the Emerald Isle

THE
EVERYTHING
TRAVEL GUIDE
TO IRELAND

Dear Reader,

We are truly grateful for the honor to have put together one of the best, clearest, and most fun travel guides covering the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We believe the material presented, covering all the best cities, ancient sites, hidden havens, and pastoral domains, will help you put together an unforgettable itinerary. Moreover, the tips, insights, and up-to-date travel information throughout will make you a true Ireland travel expert.

For us, Ireland has always had a magnetic draw. It is a nation of raw beauty and extraordinarily gracious people. Having visited routinely and traveled extensively, we have come to know the country on an intimate level that we hope shines through as you peruse each chapter. This text has been written to be more than just a guidebook; we aspire for it to be the perfect resource as you journey through one of the worlds most amazing destinations.

May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.Famous Irish Blessing

Happy Travels,

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PUBLISHER Karen Cooper

DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITIONS AND INNOVATION Paula Munier

MANAGING EDITOR, EVERYTHINGSERIES Lisa Laing

COPY CHIEF Casey Ebert

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR Lisa Laing

DEVELOPMENT EDITOR Brett Palana-Shanahan

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Hillary Thompson

EVERYTHINGSERIES COVER DESIGNER Erin Alexander

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Ashley Vierra, Denise Wallace

Visit the entire Everything series at www.everything.com

THE
EVERYTHING
TRAVEL GUIDE
TO IRELAND

From Dublin to Galway and
Cork to Donegala complete
guide to the Emerald Isle

Thomas Hollowell
and Katie Kelly Bell

Copyright 2010 by F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced
in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions
are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.
Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Media, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.

www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN 10: 1-60550-167-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-60550-167-3
eISBN: 978-1-60550-670-8

Printed in the United States of America.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
is available from the publisher.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the
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Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Maps created by Map Resources

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This travel guide is dedicated to all those discovering
for the first time or rediscovering again the
enchanting allure of the Emerald Isle.
TH
To David, who knows the way.
KKB

Acknowledgments

We would like to wholeheartedly thank all of those involved in putting together this extensive guidebook. Thank you to our agent Mr. Bob Diforio for your resourceful and responsive manner, along with your willingness to let us bounce ideas your way. Thank you Ms. Lisa Laing, the Managing Editor of the Everything Series, for your communication and editing prowess throughout the writing process. And, thanks to the team at Adams Media for all your work throughout. Without such astute professionals, quality publications would never materialize.

Thanks to my loved ones for their support and reading through the manuscript in its initial stages.

TH

Gr mor to my Irish aunties and uncles and Papa Doc for making Ireland my home.

KKB

Top Ten Ways
to Pass as Irish

Wait approximately two minutes before sipping a Guinness, allowing it to settle completely.

Before enjoying a refreshing beverage with friendly pubbers, say slainte (pronounced slawn-cha), which means to your health.

Venture to the local pub for some real trad (traditional/folk music) and craic (good times)!

Play golf in the rain. In fact, do anything in the rain.

Ramble about hill walking, especially on a sunny day.

Enjoy every morsel of a full Irish breakfast.

Ensure a potato-based food item accompanies every meal.

Handle the curvy roads like a racing pro.

Quote Joyce, Yeats, or take a risk and go Wilde!

Have a good joke and a good story to tell.

Contents

Appendix A.
Film and Reading Checklist

Appendix B.
Additional Web Resources

Introduction

T he Irish will say they are closer to Boston than Brussels; their history is forever linked to North America and their dedicated interest in the happenings abroad show it. Likewise, Americans are closely connected to the people, history, and culture of Ireland. This bond dates back more than 150 years. Their having contributed directly to our own history and we to theirs, Ireland is more than an inspiring place to visit, it is a destination in which to revel, feel wholeheartedly welcome, and to hold dear.

Since more tourists visit the country than there are inhabitants, vacationers to the isle help support a certain portion of the livelihoods on the island. And, in no other European country will you find a people more welcoming and brimming with the warmest hospitality imaginable.

Like a Guinness that needs time to settle, so should you travel unhurriedly through Ireland. Give yourself occasions to absorb the unique world around. Enjoy a lovely walk about the countryside to discover moments no guidebook could muster. It might happen while meandering along a green pasture lit by the last mist-filled ray of the day, while talking with locals in a bustling pub, or witnessing country folk whispering into each others ears. More than the monuments of yore and the awe-inspiring sea cliffs will these memories be etched into your mind.