Does anyone have an opinion on the best tour book for Ireland? We are headed over in May for our honeymoon and I want to get a good book to read ahead of time. Which of these do you recommend (or any others I missed?):<BR><BR>Lonely Planet<BR>Frommer's<BR>Fodor's<BR>AAA<BR>Discovery Channel<BR><BR>Thanks for any advice!

For off-the-beaten path advice on touring Ireland and getting advice on seeing prehistoric sites as well as castles, friaries, etc., I'd vote for the Rough Guide overwhelmingly. Also, the Discovery Book series are well worth the investment now. By the way, I'm actually pouring-thru ten books as I write in planning a trip.

If you haven't been before, I'd suggest getting at least two. People will debate brands, of course.<BR><BR>Get one that has a lot of specific detail on a number of places. Lonely Planet was a favorite of ours in this area. This is the sort of 'nuts and bolts' information right down to paths to take for walks in certain areas, and pubs to try. BUT, if you haven't been before, this kind of detail can feel a little dry and can even seem bit repetitive, in that you don't have a frame of reference. It begins to sound like you've read about this same pub 100 times already!<BR><BR>For a second guide, or maybe it should be looked at as a first guide, get one that has a broader scope, less detail. Something that teaches a little about regions and overall just general points of major interest. Once you have major destinations down, you can use the detail to find the more out of the way things to add in. I like the Eyewitness Guides as a starter, as they have nice general information and are also graphical. They tend to take a first-timers viewpoint in they way they are delivering information.<BR><BR>

Dear Kathflan,<BR><BR>I agree with Clifden about the Eyewitness book except be sure to get their &quot;Portrait of Ireland&quot; which is hard bound and larger. Great photos and general info but those smaller Eyewitness books like to flip close and it's hard to really see those tiny photos. <BR><BR>I always go with Frommer guides after that. I'll get their most up to date regular guide or budget guide before every visit. Their &quot;Best Loved Driving Tours&quot; book is also good.<BR><BR>I've also read Fodor's Ireland Up Close which was excellent. I wish they'd put out a new version of it.<BR><BR>Lastly I get the magazine Ireland of the Welcomes. In every issue is a segment by Christopher Moriarty titled &quot;Byways Rather than Highways&quot; filled with off the beaten track of places to visit and interesting facts. I've found loads of places to visit from that source alone.<BR><BR>You can find reviews for all these plus loads of other travel book on Amazon.com (I like to post there, too). Just be sure to bring at least one guide book with you when you go -- and a good map; you can buy great maps in Ireland at Easons. <BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR>Wendy

If this will be your first trip to Europe, I recommend you begin with Rick Steves' _Europe Through the Back Door_. It's a wonderful introduction to independent travel on a budget. In that book Rick reviews other guidebooks besides his own, and gives a synopsis of the best features of the ones he likes. He also has a guidebook specifically for Ireland. Your local library is likely to have one or more of his books. Visit www.ricksteves.com and you'll find a wealth of travel information from money matters to packing tips--and a whole lot more.

Before my first trip to Ireland, I used the Lonely Planet guide to plan my trip, along with a good map. Everything that I planned went like clockwork, but I would say that Ireland is very comfortable to get around and you just have to think smaller. Go to the bookstore and peruse some of the guides to see which one fits your thinking. Good Luck!

kathflan,<BR><BR>Needless to say, a well stocked bookstore has a dizzying array of Ireland travel guides. While many are worthwhile, there are but a few standouts:<BR><BR>The Rough Guide: All things considered, this is the best guide on the market. It is exceptionally well written, candid and critical. Unlike say, Frommer's, it doesn't read as if it was sanctioned by the Irish Tourist Board. What's more, The Rough Guide is unequaled when it comes to offering background and context on Ireland's many historic sites. Plus, unlike Rick Steves' guide to ireland, The Rough Guide covers the entire island of Ireland. (Rick gives the cold shoulder to the entire northwest of the Republic.)<BR><BR>Footprint Ireland: A relative newcomer to the travel guide scene, Footprint is now in its second edition, and it's an impressive guide. Like The Rough Guide, it's also a pleasure to read, and it's a critical, no-nonsense take on Ireland. Check out www.footprintbooks.com<BR><BR>I was struck by Waffle's mention of Moriarty's &quot;Byways Rather than Highways.&quot; The author also has a book of the same title, and it's a real treat, offering the tourist a wide array of delightful country drives throughout Ireland. <BR><BR>Finally, don't go to Ireland without getting a copy of The Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2003 (There's a companion edition, Best Places to Eat). Authors John and Sally McKenna offer reliable advice on the very best Ireland has to offer as regards dining and lodging. See bridgestoneguides.com<BR><BR>Best of luck.