Customer Reviews

Ireland Guide, Second Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a terrific book for the traveler returning to Ireland. It provides more detail for someone who is already familiar with the country, adding sights that may be just off the beaten path a bit.

However, if you are looking for something with maps and pictures to help guide you on your tour of Ireland, you may want to look at some of the more "touristy" books, such as Fodor's or Frommer's. For the less than seasoned traveler "Be a Traveler" would be a good supplement to the basic information found in books of that type.

For the novice traveler, this book may not be the most comfortable to use, but for the seasoned veteran, it is great.

I read Dan's last book, "Open Road's Ireland Guide", before I took a 22 day trip to Ireland. I found it to be easy reading, but more importantly, accurate! I especially enjoyed the short history chapter. You can not find a better description of Irish history in 20 pages anywhere. His latest book, "Ireland Guide : Be a Traveler - Not a Tourist", is even better. I had the opportunity to take it with me on my last trip to Ireland and once again found Dan's suggestions extremely valuable. When your time is valuable don't waste it. A must read for anyone planning to visit Ireland.

My initial interest in the book was sparked by the subtitle - Be A Traveler-Not A Tourist. I was planning our first trip to Ireland and purchased four books on the Emerald Isle. As I proceeded in my planning, I found that I did not need the other three, as I found all of the information I needed in Mr. McQuillan's book. He provides extensive information about Ireland in general, its history, accomodations, well known and little known tourist sites and places of interest, even directions on how to proceed from one area to another whether it be by bike, bus or car. The book is very well written and easy to understand. I made all of our plans for accomodations and travel based on Mr. McQuillan's recommendations and we had an absolutely wonderful time! A must have for anyone planning to travel to Ireland for the first time or the fifth!

Yes, if you have been to Ireland , this book is very user friendly.
However, I find it very predictable and not very adventurous.
McQuillan lumps Southwestern County Cork into 5 or 6 pages. To me ,
that is a terrible dis-service. It is one of the most beautiful and
rugged areas in the island. Farther north, Monaghan and Cavan are
relegated to just a few paragraphs. I've been to both counties and
they really should be given more attention. Anyone who has driven
into Monaghan on a busy afternoon will always remember the closeness
and narrowness of the market town streets before the town center opens
and sets you off in four directions. ...On a
fair measure, he does provide a well rounded list of places to stay
and worthwhile haunts to visit. In that way, yes, it is an adequate
guide book--just like most others on the market that in addition
provide maps and other valuable aids for the beginning traveler.

I really enjoyed the Ireland Guide. The thing that most impressed me were the extensive write-ups on the places to visit, hotels, and restaurants -- they were far more in-depth than any other guidebook I looked at on Ireland. I especially liked the "sidebars" that were bite-size tidbits of interesting information on everything from the best hotels to how to pronounce Irish names to legendary love stories. I also liked the section on Irish genealogy. Since I am of Irish descent, I particularly enjoyed learning what part of Ireland my ancestors came from.

Great book!

I used the Ireland Guide book for my recent trip to Ireland. It was so practical and a great supplement to our other books and maps. We referred to it mostly for the historical tidbits, restaurant tips and especially hints on the best places to get good prices on exports.

I was especially pleased with the Tipperary crystal tip. I did my research and found it to be just as well crafted as Waterford, at a lower price and best of all - it's very hard to find in the United States.

Veteran student of Ireland Dan McQuillan is a direct descendant of an early Irish king. He presents his ancestral land with verve and rollicking style, which makes for engaging reading. In addition to the basic fare on planning a trip, services, and getting around, there are five suggested itineraries for visits of up to 14 days. Sidebars cover subjects ranging from Irish names, history, and driving habits to best dining and hotels, even a Dublin "Literary Pub Crawl." There are hundreds of county-by-county tips on must-sees, and a chapter on "Searching for Your Irish roots."

I am planning day trips from a point in County Clare and find this book invaluable in deciding short and longer excursions for us. It's an easy read and chock full of information and delightful suggestions. Probably the best i've found so far, and I own serveral other guide books

This is the best travel guide to Ireland - take time to read the entire book from the History of Ireland to Searching for your Irish Roots! This is a must read book if you plan to search for your Irish "cousins" as his methods work!! I have already received 1 letter from a Irish "cousin" and plan to visit the family during my trip the the Emerald Isle this fall! This book helps you plan for your trip, suggestions on where to stay and what to see and as a bonus helps you locate your long lost family memebers. I wish I had read this book before my first trip. I can't wait to read the 3rd edition!

This book is a must have if you want to see Ireland in all of its glory! The author has obviously been there on a number of occassions.To have this kind of a resource is really excellent.