Frommer's Ireland Day by Day (Frommer's Day by Day - Full Size) [Paperback]

Frommer's Ireland Day by Day is a handy reference guide to one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. This travel guide wants to help you, the curious world traveler, in your quest to find the best attractions, the finest dining, and the other points of interest so that your vacation to Ireland will be memorable and enjoyable.

This travel guide is different from others in one important way: It covers specific travel excursions to different parts of Ireland, with daily breakdowns on what to see and do. Let's say, for instance, that I plan to visit the capital city of Dublin and I have exactly three days in which to visit. If I turn to the section on Dublin, I will see guides for different numbers of days, one of which is titled Dublin in 3 Days. The guide will help you make the most of your short trip by guiding you to the best the Dublin has to offer in a three day time span. Other parts of the book include similar itineraries, not necessarily by number of days (most are like this, but not all), but by some type of criteria. Some focus on outdoor activities. Some of the trips focus on things to do with kids in tow. Whatever the concentration is, this guide offers you a specific breakdown of the best points of interest and what you should see/do to make the most of your trip.

Besides the individual self- guided tours, what most readers will remember best about this travel guide are the illustrations. There are actual photographs of the Irish countryside and city attractions and many of them are very enticing. The book is small in size, physically, so don't expect to find large, coffee- table book images. The pictures are smaller than that, but they are attention- grabbing nonetheless and they will attract many readers with their historic significance, natural beauty, etc. In addition to the photos, you will also find plenty of maps in this travel guide. A large, pull- out map at the back of the guide is available for use, but there are also dozens of smaller maps throughout, each offering a road guide with specific points of interest clearly marked.

This Ireland travel guide is a reference guide and thus it doesn't offer much in the way of general reading. With the exception of the chapter that covers the history of Ireland and a few other sections, the reading in this guide is brief and factual, covering only the key points for a specific location, its dining options, natural attractions, contact information, etc. So, this is not the type of guide you want to buy if you want to study the nation of Ireland and expand your knowledge. This is really intended as a reference guide for travelers and most people who buy it will refer to it only when they need to look something up.

Ireland is a fascinating nation rich in history and natural beauty and this travel guide is a good reference guide for those who plan to visit the Emerald isle. It offers clear information, attractive photographs, helpful maps, and plenty of self- guided tours. It makes a good choice for those who are planning to travel to Ireland and want to make the most of their stay.

Over the years I've crisscrossed lands and oceans and most times made the journey with my trusted Frommer's Guide in hand. The Frommer's Ireland Day By Day is literally a book that I did not want to put down. This is one of the better guide books that I have read.

Loaded into this 504 page travelpedia of the Emerald Isle are maps, photos, facts, history, eateries, transportation, lodging, directory and much, much more. As a photographer I was pleased with the photographs. The points of interest photographs are well produced and obviously not from the the usual files of stock photography.

The FYI listings are on point tidbits and highlighted in various colors. The enclosed maps are colorful, navigable, and easy to read. Whether its visiting ancient ground or grabbing a pint at the local pub, the things to do and places to see listings go on and on. It documents well the Ireland that I want to see.

Whether its upscale dining or the locals best kept secret, Frommer's Ireland Day by Day offers a cornucopia of detailed information including the house favorites. This writing offers a good listing of local lodging options and assures the reader that they are plentiful and priced for every budget.

As I've found out through the years, each and every edition of Frommer's travel guide seems to get better. The Frommer's Ireland Day by Day is no exception. It is an outstanding compilation of all that is the magic of the Emerald Isle. I highly recommend it.

At over 500 glossy pages, Frommer's "Ireland day by day" is by far the most complete travel guide book to date. There are over 104 detailed maps of regions, counties and towns, details of ten regions of Ireland, eighty-five self guided tours and a cool waterproof map of the country (1" = 20 miles) with blow-ups of Dublin and Belfast and a Dublin Transportation map of the underground (in a plastic envelope).

Typical of Frommer's layout, there are four chapters that cover the "Best of Ireland", "Strategies for seeing Ireland", "The Best All-Ireland Itineraries" and "Dublin and the best day trips". The other twelve chapters cover the Counties of Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Killarney, Kerry, Galway, Clare, Sligo and Mayo. Galway City, Belfast and Northern Ireland have their own special sections.

For one example, take Cork County. Dozens of special interest tourist sites are detailed (want to see famous St. Anne's Church, the Cork Butter Museum or the Blarney Castle and Stone?). Several places to stay are listed from quaint to the fancy with details on ambience, price and phone numbers. Several varieties of restaurants are detailed as well citing the type of food, the quality and the price. Nightlife is particularly cited with lots to choose from depending on your style. All these include a website, a phone number and detailed recommendations. Plus, there is the Counties places for "Foodies", the most `Storied' drinking pubs, County Cork with Kids, County Cork Outdoors (great landscape and park excursions), and more. In fact, like every County, it is covered from north to south to east to west. Every County is given this detailed attention.

Of course, Frommer's tells you what to do "Before you go", about "Getting There", "Getting Around", "Tips on Accommodations", and Frommer's famous "Fast Facts", which give you some important clues on items that will make your travel easier and more enjoyable. "Erin Go Braugh! (Ireland Forever!)