I didn't get much help with my itinerary question posted here last week (did I do something wrong), but I'd like to ask for your suggestions of excellent books on Irish history including prehistoric times so I can try to scratch the surface a bit before we leave this Fall. I have two so far from other sources: Small Differences... by Donald Akenson, and Modern Ireland by Roy Foster. Thanks for any and all advice.

I'd get hold of the Rough Guide. The Historical section provides a liberal view of the Island and also gives you good advice on having a holiday.

Trinity by Leon Uris was my first book that peaked my interest in Irish history. I have read so many since. I love Michael Collins history, the movie is even good.

Anything by Tim Pat Coogan although they are very detailed and read like a college history books. Morgan Llwelyn writes historical fiction that is very accurate historically and a good read. "How the Irish Saved civilization" is a good read and Books by Tom Breen, "My fight for Irish Freedom" and "Guerilla Days in Ireland by Tom Barry are good reads.

I'd start with Trinity

I have read the first two of a series of historical novels by Morgan Llywelyn, 1916 and 1921. I found them to be excellent quick reads. She followed up with 1949, 1972 and 1999 which all chronicles Irish history this past century.