The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland: 35 Memorable Walks in Ireland's Green Countryside [Paperback]

Frank Booth (Author)

Book Description

Series: Independent Walker | Publication Date: February 1999

See Ireland's gardens and castles, sea cliffs and old villages, meandering rivers and a Dublin most tourists never find with this exciting and user-friendly guide to the unique and wonderful island nation. It allows the visitor to explore Ireland as a walker, and truly see its captivating landscape through the back door. Photos, maps.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Phelan, a native of County Waterford in Ireland and an accomplished sailor, has written a narrative guide to sailing the Irish coast. His tale is sprinkled with stories of the rich history of the coast as well as sailing lore. An extensive bibliography gives the reader sources for historical and nautical data. Phelan's book is geared to the sailor, though, and should not be mistaken for a travel guide. Booth here adds his fourth title to the Independent Walker's Guides produced by Interlink Books (The Independent Walker's Guide to Great Britain, LJ 1/97). An avid walker, he brings to the series his knowledge of traveling off the beaten track. In clear language, Booth offers the option of avoiding the DROPs (Dreaded Other People) and following the road less traveled. This guide offers 35 separate walks Booth has personally taken, none of them over ten miles in length and with varying degrees of difficulty. He gives exact directions for each, making it impossible to get lost. Readers can choose from several different thematic walks or build a tour using Booth's choices. This is a useful little guide for those in search of an Ireland the regular tourist does not see. Both books are suitable for public and academic libraries.ASandra Knowles, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Publishing Group (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566562880
• ISBN-13: 978-1566562881
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #520,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Follow Guide for Irish Walks, September 8, 2000

By 

S. Simmons (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland: 35 Memorable Walks in Ireland's Green Countryside (Paperback)

While visiting Ireland for a week my Dad and I enjoyed two of the walks described in the book. Walk 16 from Spa to Tralee winded next to a quiet stretch of ocean and canal. While following the trail through farmers's fields spotted cows slowly blinked at our presence. We viewed horseback riders, the Blennerville windmill, and wild flowers during our trek. It was an up close view of the beautiful green Irish countryside. We also enjoyed walk 14 on Inishmore (one of the Aran Islands). The book gave helpful advice on using local transportation to travel to the starting point of the walk. Starting at the mighty fortress Dun Aonghasa we marveled at the sheer cliffs protecting the fortress. The view was incredible. Leave extra time for listening to the crashing ocean waves and exploring the rocky walls. On the return walk the ocean view was captivating. We saw a local farmer repairing a stone wall by hand. This walk allowed us to enjoy a unique part of Ireland firsthand. The 35 walks listed in the book were from 2 to 9 miles in length and descriptions of elevation and estimated walking time were included. Public transportation information was provided where available which we found helpful since we did not have a rented car. Using this book we were able to enjoy recommeded sites, but also get off the beaten path to see the real Ireland.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Walk and don't get lost!, February 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland: 35 Memorable Walks in Ireland's Green Countryside (Paperback)

Planning a walking trip sight unseen is always an act of faith. This well-written guide makes it easier to discover Ireland off the beaten path and be confident that you are setting off on walks that you can handle, that you know what to expect along the way, and can judge ahead of time whether to take one walk versus another. Booth includes information on where to find food and water as well as toilet facilities. I looked at three walking guides for an upcoming trip to Ireland, and this is the only one I am taking with me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Know what you're getting, May 29, 2007

By 

Derick Moken "Travel Noter" (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland: 35 Memorable Walks in Ireland's Green Countryside (Paperback)

The walks that I did in this book proved the book to be useful, but do understand what the book provides. The 35 walks cover all of Ireland. So, if you're touring Ireland for, say, 2 weeks, only a small number will be in the area your area -- unless you're one of those tourists who hits all the high points in the four corners of the island. (I spent just under 2 weeks on County Kerry and Clare.) The guide is designed for those without a car. It provides information on public transportation to get get back to your starting point. Personally, I would have liked more "loop" walks. Again, know what you're getting.